Jerry Morris

Jerry Monroe Morris, 69, of Baker City, Oregon, died on Friday, February 1, 2019 at home with his family at his side. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. (Date and time to be announced)

Jerry was born September 12, 1949, to parents Howard and Helen Morris in Homedale, Idaho. He attended school and was raised in both the Marsing and Lake Lowell, Idaho area.

After his high school graduation, Jerry joined the Army.  Following that Jerry’s life began to play like a Johnny Cash song, not surprisingly, his favorite country music singer. In the 1970’s, while attending the school of hard knocks, he helped to take down an entire prison administration. He had uncovered their 2nd set of “books” and had brought them to light. It was because of this that he was forced to live a life of uncertainty, never knowing if and when he would be punished for exposing a truth. Years later Jerry was arrested in relation to the scandal and would marry the love of his life, Lisa Smith. On January 21, 1986, they were wed in the Baker County jail. Their wedding photographs were taken on the same Polaroid camera that was additionally used to take mug shots. His life philosophy was “There are two ways in life, right and wrong”. Lisa stood by her man and eventually Jerry was acquitted on all charges.  Jerry always stated that he could not have made this accomplishment without the help of the Lord.

He earned the nickname “Freight Train Morris” in regards to his fast pitches in softball when he would play against the guards and for his hard hitting boxing abilities.  After leaving the joint, Jerry was employed as a truck driver and as a wildland fire fighter for Grayback. He was also a professional “Dead Wood Extractor".

Jerry enjoyed hunting, camping, and fishing with his grandkids. One of his favorite things to say was, “If you’re not going to have any fun, don’t go”. He also often joked and said he was a ‘Silverback” and everyone else were monkeys.  He loved listening to “Outlaw” country music. Jerry also loved gardening and attending to "the girls".

Jerry had a soft spot in his heart for the homeless. If they were hitch-hiking he would give them a ride. If they needed a place to live or food to eat he wouldn’t hesitate to bring them to his own home. Jerry was a great believer in the Lord and was always willing to help those in need.

He was preceeded in death by his parents Howard and Helen Morris; brother Steve Morris; father in law Dave Hedges; dear friends Glen Schwingel and Ed Jones.

Jerry is survived by his wife and best friend of 38 years Lisa Morris; daughters Sage Marie Gladys Morris and Nicole Kerri Morris; sons Cody Monroe Morris and Cole Jerry David Morris, Chatz Dylan Rath, Danny and Ronnie Bean; first grandson and fishing buddy Xavier Jerry Juan Sanchez who was followed by many more loving grandchildren and great grandchildren; also, good friend Raymond Bohannon.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Jerry may do so to help defray service expenses through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online Condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com