Jerry G. Johnson

Jerry G Johnson Feb 4, 1943 ~April 9, 2021

Jerry G. Johnson was born February 4, 1943, in Oregon City, Oregon to Glenn and Myra Johnson. Shortly after Jerry was born his family moved to Grants Pass. He graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1961 and attended Southern Oregon College for a short time. Jerry’s father and his sister Jan Johnson both passed away early when he was a teenager, so Jerry worked early in his life to help support his family. He had bought and sold over 130 cars by the time he graduated high school. After working quite a few years in the plywood mills and managing a gas station he naturally found his way into a successful career in the car business. He became known as Big Jerry The Car Guy. With over 4 decades in the car business, Jerry had a huge following of loyal customers because of his (sometimes and mostly brutal) honesty, character, integrity, and of course a larger-than-life smile to match his personality.

Jerry married Sharon Johnson in 1964, they enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Jerry always said Sharon was the only girl that stood him up and one day he would marry that girl. Jerry and Sharon enjoyed many great memories during their marriage. Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon, their two children Mark Johnson and Shellie Johnson all currently living in Grants Pass. Jerry was very proud of his kids and loved them dearly. He really loved his grandkids Cody Gilmer, Brooke Johnson, Colton Johnson, daughter-in-law Kelly Johnson, and his great-grandkids Keyarra Wilson and Kyler Gilmer. Jerry was a large man and used his large size, big billowy voice, and his 12D foot size to keep his kids and their friends in check and down the straight and narrow path. No matter his threats everyone knew Jerry was a big softy and was someone who wanted the best for everyone.

Jerry enjoyed hunting, tinkering and working on cars, working around the yard, and spending time at home with his family and his friends. Jerry loved humor and making people smile but most of all he always enjoyed the art of haggling and negotiating on any item. He loved negotiating anything from a drink to a car, it did not matter if some good haggling could happen. Many of his friend's favorite stories and fondest memories have included an experience with Jerry over the years (many of which might not be printable). One of many, riding in his Black Mariah Pontiac back in the day still leaves lasting memories with his friends. Jerry’s friends have said he had a great sense of humor and he was one of the most dependable and likable guys that they could have asked for in a friend.

Jerry had a huge heart, big voice, larger-than-life personality and infectious smile. He will be greatly missed by his family and his friends. With Covid protocols, we are not sure when we will be doing a celebration of life, but we are hoping it will be midsummer sometime. We will post details at that time for those that want to attend.

Please share your memories and comfort on Jerry’s Tribute Wall at www.since1982hull.com. Jerry loved his pets; Make a donation to the Rogue Valley Humane Society PO Box 951
Grants Pass, OR 97528 web-link One-Time Donations - Rogue Valley Humane Society in Jerry’s honor, if so inclined.