Jerald Jerry Loyd Hayes

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Jerald Loyd Hayes who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jerry was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jerry knew him as a well-respected man.

Jerry was born on February 25, 1935. He first greeted the world at home during a tornado in Galena Kansas which left the family bath tub perched in a tree in the back yard... He was the son of Charles and Edith Hayes. Jerry Loved Hunting and Fishing with his dad. He grew up in Mullan Idaho. Even as a youngster, Jerry learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. However, he did test the authority of others from time to time. Around age ten, Jerry loved playing keep away with the police after curfew in Mullan.

As a young boy, Jerry was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, he liked to organize and direct; he was good at it. He was raised with nine siblings. Jerry had three older brothers, Charles, Bob, and Armine, one older sister, Naomi, and four younger brothers, Jim, Jack, Marvin, and Kenneth. Jerry was loved by all his brothers and his sister. Jerry tried his best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For him, this was the natural order of life. Jerry's grandparents were William and Cora Hayes. Jerry loved Thanksgiving dinners with all his family. He was also close to other relatives; Jerry was close to his cousins and his aunts and uncles. He loved to visit his cousins in Nevada. He stood up as best man for his cousin Gene when he got married. When Jerry was a child, his Uncle Gus baby sat the kids and he let them play spitball with his boys. He laughed because after Gus made them clean up the paper all over the house.

Jerry’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jerry enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. One of the sports he enjoyed playing during childhood included playing basketball for his school. He could make a basket from anywhere on the floor of the gym.

He had a number of favorite pastimes, which included Fishing and Hiking while he attended Mullan Elementary School.

Jerry was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships. Some of those friends included Eber Gardner, and Joe Farrens. Once, Eber and Jerry hitchhiked from Mullen to St. Mary’s Idaho on a beer truck and where both drunk by the time they arrived.

Jerry felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. Jerry was raised in Mullen Idaho. He walked to school and came home for lunch. He hated potato soup because it was his lunch so much of the time. When the family would travel or take vacations, he was always organized. He enjoyed going to Kansas and riding to his aunts in a classic car.

While high school was to be taken seriously, Jerry knew that there was life outside of the classroom. When Jerry and his friends got together, they would go to the morning club in Mullan, to play ball. When Jerry had a date, the movie in Wallace was a popular destination. Jerry dated his future sister in law Wanda Cunningham at one point, he took her to a drive in theater, and when she refuse to “neck” he took out the passenger window of his dad’s car. He didn’t finish high school; he lied about his age and joined the Air Force.

Jerry seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what he undertook, he treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. Such was the case when he took a job at Albis Bowling Alley in Wallace Idaho. His sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas; his family for example, and his first car, a 1950 Chevrolet which he paid for while in the Air force. Later he gave the car to his father.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jerry reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Sharon Ethel Lewis, who he met up Terror Gulch while taking his brothers to a dance. On their first date they went to a dance at the A.F. of L.C.I.O. Union Hall with Sharon’s Brother Ken as a Chaperone. He proposed after three weeks and they were married after 3 months.

He exchanged vows with Sharon on June 23rd, 1956. Sharon’s aunt Lois Lewis was her bridesmaid. Standing up with the groom was Jerry’s brother Armine Hayes. Connie and Susie Lee were the flower girls. The service was officiated over by Reverend Cedric Taylor. It was the first marriage Reverend Taylor preformed after he became ordained. The reception was at Pottsville Park in Mullan. It rained that day, but a little rain could not damped Jerry, Sharon, and the family’s spirit. Jerry and Sharon’s car mysteriously got jacked up so they couldn't move it.

One of Jerry’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together. Some of their closest friends were Ken and Murrell Riley, and Elda and Charles Brown. They played Pinochle with the Riley’s.

As was the case with many young couples, Jerry and Sharon lived modestly during the early years of their marriage. Their first residence was an apartment in the Vets Village in Wallace Idaho. The first house was on Pine St in Mullan Idaho. The couple brightened their household with pets; especially Rex was their Coker Spaniel who loved playing with the kids.

A civic-minded person, Jerry was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was a member of a couple community groups. For example, Jerry was a strong member of the A. F. of L. C. I. O Union and a staunch Democrat who voted in all elections. He was a vocal person who enjoyed being a part of things.

Jerry was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. He also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Jerry had three children, Shirley Lynn, Jeraldine Marie, and Jefferson Loyd. Jerry loved taking the kids camping in Yellowstone, vacationing in Disney land, and many other places. Jerry was a proud parent.

Jerry liked to believe that he provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. Their house was up Terror Gulch. The kids loved the creek. He also tried to instill a love of animals in his children and made sure that they had pets in the house, such as Bridget the St. Bernard. They took Bridget with their family to the lake in their little volts wagon. Bridget loved the water, and Jerry, so she would swim and then shake it off on Jerry.

Later, he was also blessed with five grand children, Timothy Meehan, Leeland Lewis, Sharon Caldwell, Tiffany Lewis, and Melanie Lewis.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jerry was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, he was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jerry upheld his high standards. Jerry's first fulltime job was in a mine. Probably the most unique or interesting job Jerald ever held was a cook in the air force. His primary occupation was working as a Hard Rock Miner. Jerry did a lot of different jobs in the mine. He was a Motor Man, a Jypo Miner, and a Dry Man.

Jerry’s ability to take command of any type of task caused him to be popular around the workplace. For this reason he managed to make a number of friends, including the three Kitchens and Mr. Olsen and many others who were killed in the Sunshine Mine Fire of 72'. A lot of them loved to tell of Ghosts they seen in the mine. Jerry was most definitely a team player. If you gave him a job, he would, without a doubt, get it done.

Jerry joined the Air force in 1952. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations, and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow servicemen and women. Jerry did basic at Edward Air force Base in California. He served as a cook at Indian Springs Air force Base in Nevada during above ground Nuclear Tests. Jerry also served at the airbase in Seoul Korea before the armistice. Jerald achieved the final rank of Airman 2nd Class. As a natural leader and someone who was willing to do whatever it took to help the team, Jerry was a respected member of his unit.

Jerry approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of those included Playing Cards, fishing, hiking, and hunting.

For Jerry, many things brought him a little bit of joy in life. Thanksgiving and Christmas where food was there to be enjoyed, especially his favorites, such as Prime Rib, Turkey, and all pies, and plenty of family was present to share it with. He enjoyed country music, classic country music, and stories of Outlaw Josie Whales.

As a member of the Disciples of Christ Church, faith was important to Jerry. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. He held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share.

Jerry always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. His perspective on retirement was no different. Retirement finally arrived in 1991. Jerry and Sharon moved to Mardon, near Othello Washington, so he could fish and be close to family.

Even in retirement he managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones. Some of those new friends included Vernal Baldwin and Chuck Linvelt of the Othello Christen Church.

Jerry Hayes left us on February 10th, 2008. He passed away Avalon Nursing Home. He was 72 years old. The cause of death was an infection couple he was unable to fight. Possible negative side effects of the atomic bombs that where dropped while he was stationed Indian Springs Air Force base is believed by the family to have something to do with many of the health problems Jerry faced in his life. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, his sister, Naomi, and three brothers, Charles, Bob, and Armine. He is survived by four brothers, Jim, Jack, Marvin, and Kenny. Jerald's cremated remains are with us at home.

All who knew him would agree that Jerry was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jerald Loyd Hayes did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.