Gerald Martinez

Funeral Services for Jerry Martinez, 53 of Camp Crook, SD will be 11:00 a. m. Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the Camp Crook Fire Hall in Camp Crook. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook. Visitation will be Saturday, July 23, 2005 beginning at 9:30 a. m. and continuing until the time of the funeral service at the Camp Crook Fire HallJerry passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, July 18, 2005 in Cortez, CO. Jerry was in Cortez on assignment with the U. S. Forrest Service, managing single engine air-tankers. Gerald Michael Martinez was born September 24, 1951 in Salinas, CA; the oldest of seven children to Pablo Antonio ?Tony? and Christina (Herrera) Martinez. Jerry grew up and attended school in Salinas, graduating from high school and later attending college there as well. After college Jerry began his life long career as a member of the United States Forest Service. Through out his career he worked at various forests and locations across the Northwest. Such stops included time spent at: Smoke Jumper Schooling in Redding, CA; Umatilla National Forest in Oregon; Willamette National Forest in Blue River, OR; Siuslaw National Forest in Florence, OR; Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Carson, WA; In December of 1992 Jerry was united forever to Jessica Lynn Morris. The couple moved to Camp Crook where Jerry took a position with the Custer National Forest Sioux Ranger District. They have made their home there ever since, raising their son Jake. He was also blessed with three children: Jerry, Matthew, and Athena from his previous marriage to Martha Martinez. Throughout his career Jerry assisted on countless fires in various roles, which included smoke jumper in his early days and most recently as single engine air-tank manager. Jerry was also instrumental in the research and development of huckleberries in the Yakima, WA area during his time there. Jerry dearly loved his family and friends and could often be seen extending that love to others in the community. He was considered a ?Character? by his friends and colleagues. Jerry was well-known in the community for his enjoyment of auctions and the ?treasures? he sought out at each one. His treasure hunting skills led him to the computer and he soon became known as the ?Ebay Buff? in Camp Crook. He also enjoyed creating slash lumber into furniture and was even known to turn some of his so called treasures into furniture as well. Jerry was very intrigued by history and the tales of the past. He was always eager to visit with others for some insight into the past. These inquiries led Jerry to many of the areas Native American tribes, where he was quickly welcomed in and later involved in many ceremonial activities. He is survived by his wife Lynn; three sons Gerald ?Little Jerry? Martinez of Salinas, CA; Matthew Martinez of Hanford, CA; and Jake Martinez of Camp Crook, SD; one Daughter, Athena Martinez of Hanford, CA; two stepsons, Jody and Jason Morris both of Salinas, CA; one granddaughter, Audussie Martinez of Hanford, CA; three brothers, Paul, David and Christopher Martinez all of California: and his Aunt Dora and Uncle George of Colorado. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jesse and Eugene Martinez.


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Burial Date: July 23, 2005
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Funeral Service: Saturday, Camp Crook Fire Hall