Jerry Roland Hamm

Services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at the family’s ranch in Collbran.

He was a rancher.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah J.; two sons, Jimmy of Kenton, Oklahoma, and Jacob of Grand Junction; one brother, Jack Hamm of Collbran; and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to the Collbran Lions Club, P.O. Box 97, Collbran 81624.

Jerry Roland Hamm was born in Carroll, Iowa, on April 17, 1944. His parents were Clifford R. Hamm and Ruth Celeste Hamm. His survivors include wife, Debbie of 34 years; sons, Jimmy and Jacob; granddaughters, Jordan and Justyne; and brother, Jack. Jerry’s death was unpredicted and a real shock. He was the picture of health the night before the fatal heart attack on June 24. A memorial service will be held at the ranch he loved on Saturday, July 2, at 1:00 pm.

Jerry started grammar school in Jamestown, California, and graduated from Round Valley High School in Springerville, Arizona, in 1962. He majored in geology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, graduating in 1966. He worked for a while as a mineral exploration geologist and then in 1968, Jerry and brother Jack bought their Esperanza Ranch near Collbran, Colorado. JR managed the ranch while his brother continued to work as a geologist. At different time JR worked for the Collbran Job Corp, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mesa County Roads Department. JR was always a cowboy at heart, so his favorite “outside” job for a number of years was pool rider for the Big Creek grazing allotment.

In the early ranch year JR ran a hunting guide and outfitter service at the ranch and on Grand Mesa. The ranch thrived through the years, particularly after gas wells were drilled and royalties received, but to JR ranching was always a way of life rather than a means to big profit. JR played many musical instruments, including the trumpet, 12-string and regular guitars, mandolin, and harmonica; he was a member in several local western bands throughout the years. He was an active member of Lions Club and was President of that for many years. JR was very outgoing and didn’t know stranger; he knew nearly everyone in Plateau Valley and certainly will be missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Collbran Lions Club, P.O. Box 97, Collbran, Colorado 81624.