Jerry Dale Collins

Jerry Dale Collins, born February 15, 1928, died January 21, 2018, in Sonoma.

Jerry started his life in Saint Joseph, Missouri, the eldest son of Helen and Lester Collins.  He had two siblings: his younger sister, Patricia, and his younger brother, Ronald.

Jerry spent his childhood in Missouri and entered the Army soon after graduating high school.  He served in World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.   After his time in the Army, he joined his family who had moved to California.  He got his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Southern California (USC).  He worked as a chemical engineer and a rocket scientist before deciding in his 40s to change his career.  He graduated with a Doctorate of Law and started practicing law as a city prosecutor for Los Angeles.  He decided to expand his profession and opened his own private practice in Escondido.  He retired from working at the very early age of 55. 

Jerry married the girl next door, really two doors from his house, at the age of 21.  Norah Elaine Whitefield was also 21, and they found that their birthdays were just 5 days apart from each other.  They had two daughters, Judy Kathleen and Karen Lynn.

Jerry was very athletic and enjoyed scuba diving, casual sailing, and competitive sailing.  He was a crew member of a racing boat that participated in the Ensenada Sailing races for many years.  His daughters’ fondest memories are of the family sailing trips to Catalina Islands in the their 30-foot sailboat.  He enjoyed camping with his family and spent many summers camping and exploring Baja California.  Jerry was very fond of animals, and his family always enjoyed the company of the family dog.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and lived many years in the loving care of his wife.  He passed away at home, attended by his loving family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Norah, his two daughters, Judy and Karen, and their families. 

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