Obituary of Roy C. Jerome

Roy was born September 20, 1929 in Olympia, Washington. His parents were Victor and Marion Jerome. He attended grade school at the old Delphi School House, and later continued his schooling in the Northwest.

Roy met his wife, Jackie, while stationed in Missouri with the United States Air Force. They were married at midnight on August 16, Roy and Jackie enjoyed a marriage of 60 years. Roy and Jackie lived in the same home at the bottom of Tumwater Hill for over 40 years.

Roy retired from the Washington State Patrol in January 1992. His career included work in communications, dispatch, and later he enjoyed serving as the Access Training Officer, traveling throughout the state of Washington to train all police agencies. Before his career with the State Patrol, Roy served over 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. Among his base assignments are Alaska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Korea, Japan, Colorado, Florida, Okinawa, and his home state of Washington where he retired.

For over 20 years, Roy volunteered at the Old Town Center. For many of those years, he served as sound man for the senior choirs, assisted in arts shows logistics, and food donations and distribution. For 13 years, Roy took the leadership role as the Senior Center President. The City of Tumwater celebrated Roy’s commitment to the center by honoring him as the 2018 Grand Marshal for their 4th of July parade.

Roy’s hobbies included billiards, pinochle, fishing, lapidary work, rock hunting, camping, gardening, and bird feeding - especially his hummingbirds. He enjoyed the wildlife that visited his property, including deer, elk and even a couple of black bears. The greatest joy in Roy’s life was his family. Over the years, he enjoyed teaching his girls softball, billiards, and gardening, and traveling with them and cheering for his favorite team, the Seahawks.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Jerome; and  his brother, Donald Jerome. Roy is survived by brothers, Robert Jerome (Verna), Edward Jerome (Shirley); many nephews and nieces; daughters, Char Alexander (Alan Provencher), Yvonne Keck, Karen McClennen (Matthew) and Sherri Yager (Daryl); 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and two cats, Patches and Rascal.

A celebration of Roy’s wonderful life will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.