Jerry Terry

Jerry Terry was born March 17, 1943 in Long Beach, California to parents Ralph and Estelle Terry. He grew up in Buffalo, Wyoming alongside his three sisters and one brother. He began playing sports in his grade school years and this changed his life. Jerry loved competition and sports and became a standout athlete by the time he was in high school.

Jerry became the first in his family to attend college. He attended Sheridan Junior College and began his journey toward becoming a teacher. He earned his teaching degree from the University of Wyoming and began teaching in Casper, WY. He taught 5th and 6th grade at Crest Hill, Willard, and Westwood. While teaching at Willard, he met Holly, who would become his wife for the next 51 years. Jerry loved teaching and inspiring kids to become learners and good people. One of his greatest joys after his retirement was running into former students and reminiscing about their time together in his classroom. He returned to teaching after he retired to substitute teach and lead the Enrichment Program at Manor Heights Elementary School.

Being a teacher also gave Jerry the opportunity to become a coach and pass on his love of sports and competition. He coached countless basketball and volleyball teams over the years and remembered details of every game. He loved to recount big wins and great teams, but mostly he loved watching kids become great at something that mattered to them.

Jerry had five children, Brent, Leslie, Scott, Sarah and Kelsey. He loved his kids more than anything and being a Dad mattered most to him. If one of Jerry’s kids had an event, you could count on him to be in the stands. He showed up happily, never missed a game, concert, or ceremony and told anyone who would listen about how proud he was of his kids. If you ever ran into him at the grocery store, you probably heard a story or two…or ten.

Jerry’s other favorite role in life was being a Grandpa. He had four grandchildren, Christopher, Paul Ryan, Lily and Chloe, and two great grandchildren, Paul David and Shaylynn. He bragged endlessly about how talented, smart, and capable his grandkids and great grandkids are. He never turned down an invitation to be involved and cheer them on.

If you were someone important in Jerry’s life he was your biggest fan. Jerry wanted to be a part of what was important to others. He loved living life, especially alongside his family. He was the best kind of fan, always in your corner, win or lose, and had an unwavering belief that things would always get better. He was never a fair-weather fan, even when things looked bleak. Jerry was a fan of all fans. He loved the Buffalo Bills, the Wyoming Cowboys, the Denver Broncos, and Hondas.

Jerry passed away October 1, 2026 surrounded by his family at the age of 83. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and fandom and will be missed by many. Next time you’re in the bleachers somewhere think of him.

Please join us in celebrating Jerry’s life and legacy on October 10, 2026. An open house will be held at 500 S. Jefferson St. in Casper, WY from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Come share your memories and stories about Jerry. Light refreshments will be served.

To share a memory of Jerry or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.