Jerry Coldwell, age 82, of Jordan, MT, passed away in his home on the family ranch on November 14, 2020.
Jerry was born in Baker, MT, on December 21st, 1937, to Bob and Esther Coldwell, he joined a brother Cole. He attended grade school as well as high school in Baker.
When Jerry was a sophomore in high school, he traded a horse and $300 for his first airplane, which began a lifelong love affair with flying. During his high school years, he often rode backup with his grandfather, John Coldwell, while John made his daily rounds as sheriff of Fallon County.
In the early 1950’s the family bought the John Howard Ranch in the Haxby Area, Northeast of Jordan and moved there permanently after Jerry graduated high school.
Jerry and Delphin (Del) Swanson were married in 1961 and together they had five children.
Jerry traded his airplane for a helicopter and put it to work flying power lines for McCone Electric and phone lines for Mid-Rivers. Later in his flying years he got a contract with Animal Damage Control (ADC) for aerial predator control in Eastern Montana.
He served as a member of the school board for Kester School for several years and was Garfield County Commissioner for 12 years.
After he retired, he continued to use the helicopter on the ranch for predator control and handling livestock.
Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents, Bob and Esther and his brother Cole. Two granddaughters and one daughter-in-law.
Jerry is survived by his wife Del and children, Morgan (Jan) Michel of Ashland, KY; Jerri (Les) Thomas of Jordan, MT; John (Terri) Coldwell of Jordan, MT; Jason (Sheila) Coldwell of Mott, ND; Jo (Jay) Smith of Lemmon, SD; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Garfield County Rural Fire, those wishing to can specify funds go to the new building.
Rita FitzGerald says
Bill and I send our prayers for all Jerry’s family. It is sad to see another old timer head to the banquet in Heaven. God has another source of stories to keep things interesting.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald
Karen Barnes says
Del and all of Jerry’s family my deepest sympathy in your loss. May all your special memories of him help to ease your sorrow. God Bless you all.
George and Katrina Luther says
To Jerry’s family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers of comfort.
Cathy Byron says
To all of Jerry’s family:
Jerry was County Commissioner when we formed the Garfield County Fire Foundation in 2003. He was a pillar in that team bringing his knowledge of airplanes and choppers to the table. At times his patience was stretched when I’d suggest we needed to try to buy a super scooper for the county to use on fires. He shared the vision for the renovation of the health center. In his quiet way his leadership and vision leave a solid footprint in Garfield County. Know that many of us share your loss. Prayers for each through the days ahead.
Jenny Frady says
jerry’s family , so sorry to hear of you loss may he soul rest in peace , until the family heals
Jana R. Mueller says
Del and family, I was so sorry to see this news. Jerry and I really enjoyed visiting with the two and getting to know you over the years. You are such wonderful people. I send you hugs and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Jana Mueller – Huss
Lynda Johnston says
So sorry for your loss. My dad and Jerry were great friends as Garfield County Commissioners.
Lloyd & Meryl McKenna says
Our condolences to Del and all the family. Jerry was someone I always looked up to. Jerry will be missed, but he will rest easy in heaven.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Jerry’s Family May you find comfort in all of your memories and in Gods Love
Jo Ryan says
Jerry was flying helicopter for my Dad and Harold Issac was with him. Dad and I was on top of a hill watching. He went down this deep coulee and never came out. We sat up there for a long time, finally we saw them walking out. Man we’re we happy to see them alive. Jerry lost a pin out of the prop in his helicopter. It just dropped out of the air. We thought he crashed, but they were fine. Sure glad to see them walking out. I am so glad you all had another 40 years with him. Sorry for your loss.
Pam Rogge says
Condolences and prayers to Jerry’s family. Take comfort in good memories.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
John and Terry sorry to hear about Jerry. We always enjoyed the visits over the many years that we knew Jerry. John and family please know you are in our thoughts during this tough time. Rest In Peace Jerry.
Jim and Annalise Willson
DJ & Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our condolences to all of Jerry’s family. May your treasured memories be a comfort to each of you.
Wayne and Carola Moline 304 NStrevell Miles city,Mt.59301. says
Del, John and Jason along with the rest of the family I hated to see this in the obituary Wayne and I have known Jerry for many years I was in school with Jerry from 1st grade on till they moved. I loved jerry like a brother his mom always had a birthday party and would invite his whole class we all would have many good times together. I have tried many years to get him to a class reunion but He was always to busy but we all never forgot him. Our son Barry drove truck for Russel and made friends with John. We new Jason’s first wife and felt so bad to hear of her death. Del We were so glad to meet you at one of the bucking horse parades. And please know how our hearts go out to you all to lose this good guy. You all are in our prayers and may Gods word of the promise to resurrect all those in the memorial tombs comfort you at this difficult time.
Sheila Baker says
I am sorry hear about Jerry. Sending prayers and hugs to all the family.
Kelly Childers says
To all of Jerry’s family-I have always considered you to be a second family to me even though we lived on opposite ends of the county and didn’t see you very often over the years, but I have always treasured my second home during high school and will never forget the love I felt whenever I was there. Know that I feel some of the pain you are going through right now, but treasure the good times had by all. He is at peace at last and making up for all the years of visiting with family gone before. If you need anything at all please let me know and I will do my best to be a shoulder to lean on.
Lori Murnion says
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you
JO DEE WATSON says
Many of my best childhood memories are entwined with this family. I spent almost as much time there as I did in my own home during my grade school years. Uncle Jerry will be missed greatly. Sending love and prayers to all the family.
Derek Taylor says
My deepest sympathy to the Coldwell family. I have some of the best memories of my life hunting on your ranch for the last 40 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bruce Botkin says
The hospitality and friendship of Jerry and his family are among the most valuable things in my life. At this time I wish the family at least a portion of the peace I have enjoyed each of more than 40 years while being allowed the privilege of hunting their home place. My father considered Jerry among his circle of closest and trusted friends, and I will miss my yearly treat of Jerry’s enormous capability of quiet humor.
Debbie Weyer says
so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this difficult time.
Diana and Calvin Thomas says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Smith says
I always enjoy talking to Jerry he always made me laugh.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Our sincere sympathy to all the Coldwell families on your double loss. Cherish all the wonderful memories of two great guys, and their legacies will live on in our communities.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
To each of Jerry’s family members: Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of Jerry.
Joyce Bateman says
My sympathy to the Coldwell family. I remember during my younger years often being on the Coldwell place with my dad, chasing coyotes. We were always given a hearty ranch welcome. I wish you all peace and grace in this time of sorrow.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
I cannot imagine the pain you are all feeling right now and am so sorry that Jerry & John left this life on earth so early and close together. God has a plan for each of us and I’m certain He will lift you all and give you strength. May God’s grace and peace be with you all.
Scott Shackelford says
Sorry for your loss to all the Coldwell family
Tanja Fransen says
I met Jerry in 2001, and appreciated his teasing nature. We (National Weather Service) worked with the county to put in the NOAA Weather Radio transmitter in Jordan, to broadcast emergency messages and severe weather warnings. He was added to our weather spotter lists, and we could always rely on him for a good report, not just at his place, but information from all the ranches/farms in the area. We send our condolences to your entire family for your losses this past Fall. -Tanja Fransen, NWS Glasgow, MT