Gerald "Jerry" D. Black was born on November 21st, 1952, to Donald "Duff" Black and Verna Lee Morris Black in Boise, Idaho. He passed away on February 2nd, 2023 at the age of 70 from a stroke. He attended Boise public schools, and graduated from Boise High School in 1971. He worked in the family-owned gas station, located next to the Boise Capitol building, to assist family after the death of his grandfather, and during that time also attended Boise State University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Jerry dedicated his professional life to teaching, coaching, and educational administration. He facilitated learning at all levels of education, starting as a middle school teacher in Boise in 1979, and ending his career as a math professor at Pierce College, Ft. Lewis, in 2016. Early in his career he also coached baseball, including Legion teams in Boise and the Steilacoom High School baseball team. Jerry was an avid bowler as a young man and participated in league bowling as well as the Amateur Bowlers' Tour for many years.

Jerry received his Master's of Education Degree from the University of Idaho in 1981. He was hired by the Steilacoom Historical School District during the construction phase of Steilacoom High School to select the mathematics curriculum and staff. He himself taught math and coached when the high school opened in 1981. He completed his principal's credential in 1982 and became the second principal of Steilacoom High School in 1983. He was very proud to walk the first Steilacoom High School graduating class "across the stage" in l984.

During his career Jerry served as a middle and high school principal in several districts, as well as district superintendent in both the Naselle and Rainier School Districts. He retired from educational administration in 2010, after serving for several years in the Orting District. Simultaneous to his administrative career, he taught math at Pierce College (Ft. Lewis/Stone Education Center) from 1983 to 2016, when he retired from his college post.

Jerry's ability to develop rapport through humor and humanism—to connect with students, co-workers, administrators, parents, and peers—was one of his finest qualities. Jerry valued educational opportunities and life-long learning. He was an inclusive rather than an exclusive guy who always had a joke at the ready. He will be remembered for the deeply kind way he connected with others. He was a genuine "people person", positively influencing many students, teachers, families, and co-workers by truly caring about who and how they were. He often demonstrated his dedication to his districts by staying late to supervise extra-curricular activities. One of his biggest joys was being an announcer for the WIAA State Basketball Tournaments. Jerry will also be remembered for his sharp mind and ability to remember sports statistics, schedules, politics, and dates. Those closest to him, especially over the last few years, will remember his jokes and how he powered through tough physical challenges with humor.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Donald (Duff) Black, and his mother, Verna Lee Black. His memory, stories, and jokes will be cherished by his wife, Roberta J. Creger Black; his son, Matthew D. Black (Andrea); daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Black Caro (Paul Savel); sisters, Nancy Cullen (E.C.) and Mary Alyce Black; brother, George Black (Niki) as well as the grandchildren: Andrew, Aaron, Alexander Black; Lillian Caro; Kimberly, Samantha, Catherine and Luke Savel. He will be missed by family, friends, and community members.

Our close family has privately said goodbye for now to Jerry. Although we are still processing through this tremendous loss, the family would like to express gratitude to Dr. John Daniel, the Signature Home Health Care Team, and the first responders from West Pierce Fire & Rescue Stations 22 and 24.

We will be hosting a Celebration of Life and reception in his honor July 23rd, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Steilacoom Town Hall .  Those who plan to attend are asked to please RSVP through this Evite:

https://www.evite.com/event/00676HBWLF4FXAZLMEPODT4K5PVJBQ?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite

The Black family asks that you wear your favorite Mariners shirt in celebration of Jerry!

Additionally, a memorial scholarship has been set up through the Steilacoom Historical Education Foundation. In lieu of flowers or monetary donations to the family, please consider making a contribution to the Jerry Black Memorial Scholarship , at https://www.shefonline.com/