J "Jerry" Truman Walmsley

Jerry was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Jerry and Evelyn Knuepfer-Walmsley. He resided in Chicago and graduated from Northwestern University in 1950 with a business degree that would serve him well in the coming years. He also graduated as an ensign in the United States Navy. He served our country in Korea on the USS De Haven destroyer until 1953, a highlight and honor that he loved.

He married Shirley June Hill in May 1954 and bore four children. April VanDyke, Greg Walmsley, Jana Nelson, and Lori Abbott. He worked for Union Carbide Corporation in Long Beach, CA, and was transferred to Golden, CO, Houston, TX, and Stamford, CT working on Park Ave in New York City. He decided to venture out on his own and bought a welding and industrial supply business with two stores. One in Spokane, WA, and one in Lewiston, ID. Northwest Oxygen Co which later became Norweco, Inc. and then OXARC, Inc. He had a fantastic mind for business and built his 11-employee enterprise into a thriving 21-store operation in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon with 325 employees and counting. As one of his salesmen stated, “He was always ahead of the competition looking for new ways to give us the competitive edge so we could continue to expand the business.” He cared about his employees and was very supportive of their endeavors. Another salesman stated, “You allowed me to make mistakes and only asked that I learn from them.”

Jerry was a long-time Rotary attendee with perfect attendance for 37 years. He loved to travel in his motorhome around the country. He looked up where the Rotary meetings were in the various cities he visited so he could keep up his record. He attended the Church of Religious Science and always encouraged others to think positive and focus on the good. One of his grandsons, Perry Abbott, described him well. “Your meticulous attention to detail and your immense determination to succeed has always inspired me.” He always had great vision. He was a very giving generous man!

Jerry and June were married for 41 years until her untimely death in 1995. He then married Alice Huffman. They were married for 17 years. He then married Bonnie until she passed away after three years. His final love was Ann Lackman, who shared the seven final years of his life until his passing.

Jerry is survived by his 4 children, their spouses, 17 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. He was loved and will be missed by all.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Walmsley family.