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Jerry’s great-grandparents, John and Emily Bailey were early pioneers who in 1863 crossed the plains from Illinois to Oregon in a covered wagon. Born in The Dalles, Ore., Jerry was the youngest son of Walter R. and Mabel (Withers) Bailey. His siblings were Jack, Don and Bonnie Bailey. Walter started the “Orchard View Farms” business which was later operated by his son, Don, and Don’s descendants.
A lifelong jazz enthusiast, Jerry played the saxophone in a teen-age dance band called “The Deans of Swing” along with legendary trumpet player, Carl “Doc” Severinsen, who was from Arlington. Then for two years Jerry attended Westlake College of Music in Hollywood where pianist Joanna Castle of “The Lawrence Welk Show” was also attending. Jerry also attended Reed College for a year. After being drafted in 1945, he played clarinet in the Army Air Corp band.
As a beloved bachelor uncle, Jerry leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews and their descendants. He will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery on Mt. Scott in Portland, Oregon.
To plant a tree in memory of Jerry Bailey as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
