Jerry W Cope

11/16/1959 – 11/07/2026

Born on November 16, 1959, to Clyde William and Carrie Lorene Cope, in Arlington, Washington. The family was living in Darrington, Washington at the time of his birth.

Jerry’s younger years were spent in the Darrington area, roaming the hills, and fishing the streams with his older brother, Johnny. He was a very sociable guy and popular with his age group. While in high school, Jerry worked for a local dairy, and was a favorite with their children. He recalled many times of their twins that he pulled around in a little wagon. He loved fast cars and enjoyed going to car races with Johnny. One time he drove his car with the headers unbolted, all the way from Darrington to Seattle International Raceway in Kent, WA to race his 1959 Chevrolet pickup, only to be denied entrance to race, for the lack of seat belts.

In the later part of Jerry’s 16th year, he experienced a terrible tragedy. After consuming a few alcoholic drinks, Jerry drove his car at a fast rate of speed and collided with a power pole in the Darrington area. He spent many months in a coma, eventually “waking up” to a much more limited lifestyle, due to brainstem damage from the accident.

For the next 50 years Jerry lived completely dependent on family and adult housing facilities. For many years, he lived at Delta Rehabilitation in Snohomish, where he could attend various activities, such as his beloved car races. At one time, he was able to wash firetrucks for a local fire station. When Delta Rehabilitation closed, Jerry’s brother/guardian, Johnny moved him to Quilceda Creek Manor in 2020, where he lived until his Graduation Day to heaven, nine days before his 67th birthday.

Jerry enjoyed a close relationship with his family, including weekend visits with his mother, Carrie, until such a time, she was no longer capable. At that time, Jerry’s brother, Johnny became Jerry’s full-time guardian. Jerry’s life was extremely limited, however, his sassy humor, and his social desires, readily “came through”. As Jerry declined, he was no longer able to walk and eventually became nonverbal. Even at this stage, Jerry was able to respond with smiles and laughs.

Jerry never worried about anything, and was at peace with God for the remainder of his life. Johnny and his family greatly appreciate Delta Rehabilitation and Quilceda Creek Manor for the wonderful care that they provided for Jerry.

Jerry is survived by his older brother, Johnny R Cope and his family; his younger brother, Michael Cope, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a great number of friends.

Jerry will be greatly missed however we know that we will all be together again when we reach our Graduation Day to heaven.

Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends to be announced at a later date.