Jerry Lee Deckard
Jerry Lee Deckard, born on July 13, 1942, in Bedford, Indiana, passed away on July 25, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. A beloved member of the community, Jerry’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his service in public office, and his passion for business and community engagement.
Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 at 19 years old. He was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise where he served his country in combat during the Vietnam War. After four years of active duty, Jerry was honorably transferred to the Naval Reserve. The US Navy bestowed upon him the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
While in active duty, Jerry met Carol and the two married on May 29, 1965, in Adams, Massachusetts. In 1969 the couple moved to Boise, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start. In 1971, they briefly relocated to Texas for work but returned to Idaho in 1974 to raise their two children.
Jerry opened Eagle Beverage that same year. The small family business sold fishing poles, hunting rifles, spirits, and all the goods that went with the Idaho outdoors. The community was so young that Jerry was the first business owner required to have a sidewalk. He obliged and poured his own concrete. This forced Jerry to get more involved so that he could help navigate the direction of the growing Eagle community. Jerry was appointed to the Eagle Planning and Zoning Commission in 1976 and elected that same year as Eagle’s third Mayor. In 1982, Jerry was asked to expand his commitment to community and run for the Idaho State Legislature. He won his election and served in the Idaho House of Representatives until 1990. As if being a business owner, Mayor, and Legislator wasn’t enough, Jerry was also appointed President of the Association of Idaho Cities and was actively involved in the local volunteer Fire Department.
His passion for governance and community development led Jerry to co-found his government affairs firm, CapitolWest. Jerry represented several prominent businesses, organizations, and associations for decades; he was most proud of the work he did for the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho.
If Jerry wasn’t roaming the marble halls of the Idaho State Capitol, he could be found at the River Club playing a mean hand of Gin Rummy or at The Stagecoach Inn on Thursday afternoons enjoying a stiff drink and a plate of liver and onions.
In his final years, Jerry was devoted to caring for his beloved wife, Carol, who battled Alzheimer’s disease. Carol passed away just a few months before Jerry, a poignant testament to their enduring love and dedication to each other.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Virginia Deckard and his wife Carol Deckard. He is survived by his brother, Dennis, his daughter, Christie, his son, Andrew, his grandson, Forrest, and two great-grandchildren, Lenaia and Emmett. His legacy of service, community involvement, and love for his family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Jerry will be laid to rest, with military honors beside his wife Carol at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery on September 16, 2024, at 10am. A celebration of his life will follow at The Stagecoach Inn from 11am to 4pm.
Flowers can be sent to Bowman Funeral Home, 10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Boise, ID 83714 or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Jerry and Carol Deckard to the Greater Idaho Chapter – Alzheimer’s Association, 8324 W Northview St #102, Boise, ID 83704.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.