Jerry Woods, 70, of Polson

Jerry J. Woods died Nov. 2, 2014, at his home in Polson. He was born Oct. 8, 1944, in Mobridge, S.D., to Glenn and Rose Woods.

Jerry graduated from Libby High School in 1963. He went on to earn his teaching degree in Havre with a major in math. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War where he earned The Army Commendation medal and The Bronze Star medal during his service.

He was known by family and friends for his gentle soul, honesty, quick wit, humor and interesting camping styles. He was the Woods family poet. 

Jerry married Trudie Wood Aug. 27, 1966. They later divorced. Together they had three children, Barry, Greg and Jeralyn. They owned and operated The Shoe Shack in Libby. After he said “sole long” to The Shoe Shack, Jerry went on to another business venture with his brothers in Kalispell. From there, he moved to Polson where he worked at the Port Polson Inn until his retirement. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Rose Woods; brothers Brian and Dan Woods; sisters Carol Woods and Maria Marozzo; son Greg Woods; nephews Zach Newman and Mike Marozzo.

He is survived by his children Jeralyn and Brock Jones and grandchildren Isaak, Nik and Jessika Jones of Libby, and Barry and Joycelyn Watterson-Woods and grandchildren Conor, Miles and Alice Watterson-Woods of Portland, Ore.; his brothers Tom (Mori) Woods of Butte, Tony Woods of Kalispell, Mike (Ginny) Woods of Missoula, sisters Joanne (Larry) Newman of Libby, Diane (David) VanBuren of Kalispell and Julie (Bob) Komenda of Marion; brother-in-law Bob Marozzo of Libby; sister-in-law Mona Woods of Kalispell; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

As per Jerry’s request, there will not be a formal funeral. Family and friends are convening to celebrate his life at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Libby VFW.