Jerry Lee Morris, 87

June 4, 1935 - April 18, 2023

Jerry Lee Morris, 87, of Hope, Idaho, passed from this world into the next Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 6:30 a.m. Jerry was surrounded by the love of family to his last breath.

On June 4, 1935, in Westport, S.D., Blanche and Mearl’s little boy, Jerry, was born into this world. Shortly thereafter, in quest of a better life for his family, Jerry’s father left for California. Not long after Mearl’s arrival in California, he received a raise of 5 cents from 40 cents to 45 cents per hour, at which time Mearl sent for the entire family to relocate from South Dakota to California. Jerry shared the joys of childhood with his three sisters, Charlotte, Betty and Nancy.

At 3 years of age little Jerry’s earliest accomplishment was achieved when his grandfather offered him a challenge: “If you learn to ride your tricycle on two wheels, I’ll buy you a two-wheeler.” With unrelenting determination and, under his grandfather’s watchful eye, Jerry met the challenge, earning himself that two-wheel bicycle.

At 7 years of age, using a little homemade fruit box bound with a leather beltstrap that held brushes and polish, Jerry started his first business, shining shoes during World War II. Jerry walked the 2 miles from Chancellor Avenue to Atlantic in uptown Los Angeles, where he would ask sailors and soldiers if they wanted a shoeshine, earning him 10 cents.

Beyond his budding entrepreneurial spirit, Jerry had several passions as a child. He raised homing pigeons, chickens and rabbits. He loved to ride horseback and would save his earnings until he had $1, enough for an hour’s ride. Jerry swam in the Los Angeles River, even though his mother scolded him for it. He grew up barefoot and lovingly referred to his child self as a “little urchin,” whatever the family lacked in financial security was made up for with an abundance of love. In junior high, Jerry sang in the glee club and played football and baseball, where his favorite position was shortstop.

At 16 years of age, Jerry began digging ditches for Hood Corporation pipeline contractors. Jerry loved to say they would dig so fast they created their own shade. At 17, he became a night loader so he could attend Compton Junior College, where he earned his associates degree.

On Oct. 5, 1957, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea for 18 months. Jerry was squad leader and chosen for Basic Administrative School Class 199. He was trained and given the job of sergeant, company clerk; this experience gave him his MBA training. After his duty in Korea, he was ready to begin his civilian life and could not wait to set the world on fire.

Upon arriving home, Jerry asked his longtime sweetheart, Phyllis, for her hand in marriage. Jerry and Phyllis wed March 21, 1959. Jerry often credited Phyllis for their success in life. During the early days of their marriage, Phyllis was an elementary school teacher. Her steady income offered Jerry the opportunity to become a business entrepreneur. Jerry began building On Your Lot Homes, which eventually led to larger land-developing opportunities throughout the years. Jerry and Phyllis carved out an idyllic life in Escondido, Calif., raising a family of four children: Kelli, Don, Juli and Jerry Jr.

Jerry loved to sail and, eventually, commissioned the building of a sailboat he named Serenity. In 1976, Jerry raced from San Pedro, Calif., to Diamond Head, Oahu, in the Trans-Pacific Yacht Race, on a catamaran named Antigone, where he and his team earned a second-place finish. In his leisure time, Jerry enjoyed sailing to Catalina, the Hawaiian Islands and Mexico, accompanied by family and friends.

In 1978, Jerry and Phyllis fulfilled a lifelong dream and bought what would become Sandpoint Ranch, in Elmira, Idaho. Here, they started a tree farm that continues to support the local community to this day. In 1992, Jerry and Phyllis built their permanent home on Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho. It was here that Phyllis lived out her golden years in her “favorite place in the world.”

On July 18, 2020, Jerry married Pam Lippi on that same lakefront property, a place Pam called “the most beautiful place on Earth.”

When asked about his greatest life accomplishments, Jerry shared he was most proud of the fact that he was given so many opportunities to help people. His generosity afforded college tuition to many deserving students. He frequently offered help to families and individuals and his concern was always for others. It is easy to say he was a tender man with a heart of gold. His greatest loves in life were family, his many friends, his country and his hunting dogs.

As we embrace the sunset, let’s toast to Jerry’s many loves: Tight lines on a fly rod; feathers in the sky; the wind at your back; frosty breath upon morning dew; the love of a child; a warm hug; the beauty of nature; laughter; and wishing upon a star. We know that your goodness, kindness, loyalty and beauty will be carried on in the lives you have touched. May God bless you, Jerry Lee.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Phyllis Joan Morris. He is survived by their four children: Kelli Lynn Morris (Philip Hosko), Donald Lee Morris (Lori), Juli Ann Erickson (John), and Jerry Charles Morris (Lisa); his eight grandchildren: Allison, Taylor, Jerod, Sydney, Kathryn, Griffin, Camden, Adrie and Hannah, his seven beloved great-grandchildren; and Jerry's sister, Nancy Lottman. He is also survived by his lovely wife of seven years, Pamela Lippi, her children and grandchildren.

Please join us to celebrate "Big" Jerry and a life well lived! Wear your favorite Hawaiian party shirt in honor of a man who loved good times with family and friends.

The "Big Event" is 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 1403 Peninsula Road, Hope, ID 83836.

Memorial donations may be made to Panhandle Alliance for Education, 123 S. Third Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864, or Sam Owen Fire Department, 17 Old Sam Owen Drive, Hope, ID 83836.