Jerry Lane Strickland

Jerry was born in Amarillo, Texas on December 19th, 1949, to loving adoptive parents Mary Lee (Peggy) and Homer Strickland. He was the light of their lives. Peggy and Homer loved and nurtured him into a kind, loving, patient, devoted husband, father, friend and coach. At the age of 5, he met his lifelong best friend, Rick Irwin (Kathy). Peggy loved to tell stories about the adventures of Jerry and “Ricky” as they were inseparable brothers from another mother.

Jerry was a gifted athlete. He attained a 4th degree black belt in the martial art of tang soo do, but his athletic passion was competitive trampolining which would earn him a scholarship to Oklahoma University and subsequently the rank of 5th in the world. When his competitive career was ended by injury, he would complete his degree at Texas Tech, eventually returning to Amarillo where he would begin coaching competitive trampoline. Many of his former athletes appreciated the positive influence Jerry had on their lives and would remain in contact years later.

After a successful career in sales, Jerry returned to graduate school and completed a master’s degree in counseling from Texas State University. As a licensed professional counselor, he would help many with kindness, compassion and wisdom.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Deanna Strickland and their faithful border collie Lulu Colliente, his children Bailey Strickland and Laine Strickland (Kaila) and grandchildren, Perry and Everett.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be planned for Spring 2026.