Jerry Coolidge

Jerrold Oliver Coolidge, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 10, 2017. Jerry was born May 25, 1928, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Jay Francis Coolidge and Ollie Frances Jones Coolidge. He grew up traveling with his family while his father worked in construction. Jerry joined the Army Air Corps when he turned 17 at the end of World War II and was stationed in Japan. He worked as a clerk for General Whitehead, the commanding general of the Far Eastern Air Force. On September 3, 1949, he married Ellen Mae Izzard in Redding, California. To this union were born two daughters, Margaret and Susan. He attended the University of Idaho where he earned a B.S. and a M.S. in Botany. Jerry and Ellen made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Jerry worked as a planning and environmental coordinator for BLM. Ellen passed away November 15, 2012. Since that time, he has volunteered over 1,500 hours with the BLM and was very involved at the Episcopal Church in the vestry. He was a member of the Episcopalian Church. He enjoyed music and barbershop quartet. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Margaret Adamski of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Susan Coolidge of Idaho Falls, ID; 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ellen; sister, Margaret Coolidge; and sister, Corine Morrison. "On Thursday, April 10, in connection with National Volunteer Week, the Idaho Falls District BLM and Upper Snake Field Office BLM surprised their long-term volunteer, Jerry Coolidge, with a small token of their appreciation. Jerry Coolidge, a retired BLM professional, approached the BLM looking to volunteer in 2012, with decreasing budgets and staff, the Upper Snake Field Office saw this as a great opportunity for a dedicated long-term volunteer to help make a dent in increasing workloads. Jerry assists in multiple arenas from botany, lands and realty, to recreation. He even finds time to assist the District Public Affairs Specialist with various projects, always with a positive attitude and a big smile. "Jerry has spent a total of 28 years working for the BLM, starting seasonally in 1968. In 1973, he became a full-time employee as a fire control officer. His other positions in the Bureau consisted of dispatcher, assistant area manager, and planning and environmental coordinator. He ended his career with the BLM at the Arizona State Office as the planning and environmental coordinator. He has been an invaluable volunteer, a wise advisor, and a treasured friend around the IFD office, and BLM is lucky to have his service!" — BLM Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. June 3, 2017, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 270 North Placer Avenue, with The Rev. Susan Elizabeth Speir officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Animal Rescue or the Humane Society.

Memorial Services will be held