Jerry Marvin Green

Jerry M. Green passed away at his home in Grand Junction, CO on May 20, 2024. Jerry was born in Canon City, CO to Marie (Hall) and Alonzo George Green on July 4, 1949. The youngest of three boys, Jerry grew up on the Green Family Centennial Ranch on Four Mile Lane in Canon City. He told fond stories of ranching with his brothers and father, riding his horse Digit, to catch the school bus and to get the mail. Jerry often laughed about developing his sensitive side from attending many women’s society meetings with his mother.

After graduating from Canon City High School in 1967, Jerry earned a scholarship to play basketball for the University of Northern Colorado Bears. One of the recent highlights of Jerry’s life was reconnecting last June with his UNC teammate, Don Stone of Greeley. Don recently wrote to the family, “Tell him that I love him and thanks for all of the great memories and for being my great friend and teammate. Also tell him that had we known that our time together would end this soon that I would have passed him the ball more!”

Jerry loved sports and in his 38 - year tenure as a teacher, coach, school administrator and father, he enjoyed many hours in and outside of the gym, encouraging his own children as well as student athletes to become the best versions of themselves. Jerry was kind and a man of few words who, at 6’8, commanded a calm and an unflappable presence. In retirement, Jerry loved tinkering in the yard and garden, as well frequenting garage sales, and getting in some occasional fishing, along with scouting elk and moose.

Above all, Jerry loved his family. He demonstrated his love not only through words, but through actions, ensuring those he loved never wanted for anything. His acts of giving gifts “just because”, and surprises to his family, brought him immense joy. Jerry’s dry sense of humor always caught the unaware off guard. Jerry has left his children a legacy of doing what is right, caring deeply for others and always finding the joy in life.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard and Fred Green. Jerry will be missed by the love of his life and wife of 37 years, Kim Leonard; children Hannah (Cory Diss) Green and Christopher Green, along with grandchildren Claire, Aubrey and Huxley Diss. Jerry is also survived by his mother-in-law Barbara Leonard, sisters-in-law Vina Green, Lisa Leonard, Pamela (Craig) Tate, and Robin (Timothy) Bopp in addition to many nieces and nephews. The family is planning a private celebration of life in the upcoming month.

In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, the family requests donations be made to HopeWestco.org. The family also wishes to express their immense gratitude for the gentle care, kindness and compassion shown to Jerry while he was in the skilled nursing facility at Family Health West.