Jerrold Bertram Simon

Obituary Jerry Simon 1934 - 2008 Captain J.B. Simon took off for his final flight home on January 9, 2008 after a 10 year struggle with prostate and bone cancer. Jerrold (Jerry) was born in Tacoma, Washington on December 30, 1934. The oldest of six children, he attended Holy Rosary School in Tacoma, St. Edwards Seminary in Seattle, and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma in 1953. Jerry attended the University of Puget Sound and St. Martin's College and was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 serving active duty until 1960. He fulfilled the remainder of his military obligation with the National Guard in the Aviation Battalion until 1964. Jerry always had a passion for flying. Slim Lawson taught him to fly as a teenager and his first solo flight took place at Thun Field. In 1960 he became a pilot for Weyerhaeuser before he married Mary on January 6, 1962. He began his career with United Airlines in 1965 and retired as a DC-10 Captain in December of 1994. During retirement, Jerry spent his days working around the house, tinkering with cars and airplanes, enjoying coffee and conversation with friends at Thun Field and Spanaway Airport, attending monthly lunches with his friends from high school, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary (Zimsen) Simon and six children. Son Tom, his wife Zita (Concepcion) and grandson Liam (8mths). Son Mike, his wife Paula (Door) and grandchildren Claire(12) and Nate(10). Daughters Marianne, Maureen, Amy and Joanie and her husband Scott Dombrowski and grandchildren Jacob(6) and Ava(3). Brothers Paul (Lynn) Simon, John (Lynne) Simon, sister Michele (Randy) Oakes, sister-in-law Pam Simon as well as 19 nieces & nephews and 21 great nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by his father and mother Bert & Bess Simon, brother Bob Simon, sister Janet Simon, niece Roberta Simon and daughters Kathleen and Colleen Simon. Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday, January 12th at 10am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, 146th Street & Pacific Avenue in Spanaway, WA with reception immediately following. Graveside Service and burial to be held at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma, WA following reception. Please leave condolences online at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.