Jerry Blythe, 77

Jerry Blythe, 77, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, went to his "real home" to be with his Heavenly Father Aug. 29, 2015, after a short illness. He was truly a great man who loved his Savior, family and friends.

Jerry was born Aug. 10, 1938, in Wasco, Calif., to George Glenford and Helen Pauline Blythe. He was the eldest of four children: Glenda Nickum and Larry, who preceded him in death, and his youngest brother, Leslie Joe of Oklahoma.

In 1956 Jerry realized a long-held dream when he enlisted in the Marine Corps for three years. On May 10, 1958, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sharon (Williams). Three children were born to this union: Jeffrey Hugh, Gregory Glen and Derek Eugene.

In 1959 when Jerry's tour of duty with the Marine Corps was completed, he and his wife remained in California. Jerry then pursued his engineering degree with a love for mathematics and electronics. One of Jerry's many hobbies was solving complex mathematical problems just for fun. He was well read and knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects. He was also a handyman extraordinaire.

In 1995 Jerry retired as a test engineer in the aerospace industry. In 2001 he, with his wife and sons, Jeff and Derek, moved to North Idaho. They joined Greg's family and his two children, Taylor and Kayla.

Immediately thereafter, Jerry discovered the Pappy Boyington Detachment of the Marine Corps League. He became a member and for the rest of his life served in many capacities including commandant for one year. He loved helping behind the scenes with Toys for Tots and the Highway Coffee Wagon.

Jerry will be incredibly missed by his family and Marine Corps League buddies. He taught us all what true respect and loyalty to one's family and country is. He left a wonderful legacy to his wife, sons, their wives, his grandchildren and especially to his precious great-granddaughter, Ellis June Thomason.

Semper Fi, Beloved!

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at Heart of the City Church, 521 W. Emma, Coeur d'Alene.

You may view Jerry's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.