Jerill Fleming Johannes

“Clear!” – was the call by Jerry as the beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and friend left this world for bluer skies. Born in Oak Park, IL, to Walter and Maude Fleming Johannes on July 20, 1935, Jerill (“Jerry”) Fleming Johannes grew up in Belvidere, IL and the farming life of Garden Prairie, IL. Eager to discover the West, he attended Oregon State University to study Forestry, but graduated with a Manufacturing Engineering degree. In 1957, he married Shirley Campbell in Belvidere and she followed him to Oregon. After a two-year commitment to the U.S. Army, he was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He, Shirley and their first daughter Kelly moved to Albuquerque, NM, where he and Shirley welcomed two more daughters, Kyla and Kathy. They made many friends and that’s where Jerry began his lifelong love of flying.

During a vacation to Colorado to visit friends, they drove over Davidson Mesa, gazed upon Boulder below and immediately decided that was where they wanted to set down roots. In 1964, they arrived in Boulder and soon after Jerry became one of the first employees to be hired at IBM’s new Boulder facility. They settled in a neighborhood that fostered a wonderful circle of friends for the whole family. Jerry loved the mountains, the fresh air and the open spaces of Colorado. He strove to keep his family in Boulder, foregoing many of the transfer opportunities that IBM offered so the family could stay in Colorado.

One of Jerry’s favorite past times was singing. Jerry and Shirley joined First Presbyterian Church of Boulder and became involved in many facets of the church, including the First Pres Chancel Choir, where he sang for many years, creating more friends and lifelong relationships. He also sang with a Boulder Barbershop chorus, the CU Men’s Chorus and the Jubilate Choir. He and Shirley traveled the U.S. with the Jubilate Choir for performances in the South and the Northeast, including a performance at Carnegie Hall NYC.

Throughout his life, Jerry and Shirley lead active and social lives. Always ready to takeoff flying, Jerry was part of a flying club, and obtained an Instrument Flight Rating. He and Shirley enjoyed flying themselves to many parts of the U.S. They also loved to dance with the Light Fantastics and Jerry faithfully played Racquetball every Saturday morning with his buddies, well into his 80’s.

Jerry departed this world on his last flight on October 4, 2024, leaving behind his wife Shirley, daughters Kelly (Robert), Kyla (Paul) and Kathy (Mark) to share the many family memories he made. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy and pride of his life. His friendly and humble character, humor, and his playful and outgoing personality will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. A Memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Broomfield Presbyterian Church, 350 Main Street, Broomfield CO, at 10:00 a.m.