Jerry Burl McClellin (88) passed away on April 29, 2026, at his home, doing what he loved, feeding his geese and taking in the quiet of the life he built.

Jerry was the oldest of four children, born on June 24, 1937, in Lemoore, California, to Dennis Burl McClellin and Mary Elizabeth (Wyatt) McClellin.

He met and married the love of his life, Terry (Talcott) McClellin, on August 7, 1966, in a small ceremony in Galt, California. Our father would often tell us the story of how he liked our mother's roommate, but after seeing our (rail-thin) mother, he changed course and took her out to eat because he thought she was starving. The rest was history. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this August, a significant milestone representing a lifetime of dedication, love, and, most importantly, their shared faith in God.

Jerry graduated from Napa High School in 1956 and enlisted in the United States Navy that same year, beginning a long and honorable military career. His service also included time in the Army National Guard and the Air Reserves. During his military career, he received numerous honors for distinguished service.

Jerry reached the rank of senior master sergeant before retiring from his military service in 1997, at the age of 60. While in the military, Jerry earned a degree in aeronautics from Sacramento City College.

In 1972, Jerry moved his family from California to Idaho, where he began working for JR Simplot as an aircraft mechanic. He continued his work in aviation with several local companies before joining the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1987. His time with the FAA took him far from home, first to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and then Seattle, Washington, where he worked while waiting for a position in the Boise office to open up. He finally made his way back to Idaho in 1994, where he worked until he retired from the FAA in 2002, at age 65. He then continued working, doing contract work with a company based in Canada for a few years.

Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Terry, and their children, Laura McClellin, Rae (Tony) Peppley, Phil McClellin, and Sara (Troy) McClellin Helmer. He is also survived by his adopted son and grandson, Shea (Sam) McClellin; thirteen grandchildren, Zoie and Zuri McClellin, Cade, Drew, and AJ Peppley; Logan, Ilee, and Quinn McClellin; Priscilla and Kelby; and Paige (Joe) Treat, Brody, and Duncan Helmer; and fourteen great-grandchildren, with one more expected in October. Jerry is also survived by his daughter-in-law Wendy McClellin; lifelong foster daughters, Stacy, Deb, Georgette, and Erica; and his brother, Sam (Marilyn) McClellin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Delon, and his sister LaDean.

Jerry was an amazing man who lived a life marked by hard work, deep faith, and an unmistakable sense of humor, known in his family as "Jerry Jokes." His family would like others to know that our father was a good man. He worked hard for his family and loved our mother with all his heart. We take comfort in knowing that as Jerry crossed into eternity, God met him at the gates, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A graveside service honoring Jerry's military service will be held at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, located at 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, ID 83714.

A drop-in celebration of his life will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 13781 Cirrus Dr., Caldwell, ID 83607.

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