unexpectedly on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 77 in Bullhead City, Arizona.
Born in Los Angeles, California, on March 16, 1947, Jerry was the son of Elizabeth Ann Quinn
(Bunker) and Gerald Stanley Quinn. His mother passed in 2006, and his father in 1986. Jerry
grew up in the Los Angeles area and enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1965 after graduating
high school. Jerry was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky where he trained as a mechanic. Later,
he volunteered to serve in Vietnam (which offered more pay). He was stationed in Da Nang,
just 85 miles south of North Vietnam, and was there for the early 1968 Tet Offensive. Jerry was
proud of his service and often wore his Vietnam Veteran's cap. He never hesitated to thank
fellow veterans for their service. Jerry's dedication to veterans extended to his volunteer work in
photography for the Marine Corps. He was honored with numerous military awards, including
the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and
the Army Commendation Medal.
After returning home from Vietnam, Jerry tried different jobs, but realized he was not cut out for
the rat race and instead lead an unconventional life, which was full of adventure and drama. His
love of cars and vehicle machinery grew into passions for racing, trucking, boating, and riding
Harleys. Another of his other passions was photography. He was professionally trained and
shot portraits, weddings, and other events.
Jerry loved to enjoy life, particularly fine dining, drinking fine wine and spirts, and sharing with
others. He was a life-long Rams fan, and liked going to games with friends and family. Jerry
was proud of his Irish ancestry and US family history, which lead him to visit family sites in
Albany and Saratoga Springs, New York, and Safford, Wilcox, and Klondyke, Arizona.
Although Jerry never married, he cherished a close and enduring relationship with his older
sister, Judith Woelfel, who passed away in 2021. He became a father figure to Judith's children:
Elizabeth Greenwalt, Lynn Lane (Robbie), Alicia Holland (Jason), and Daniel Woelfel
(Joy),especially after the early loss of their father, Kenneth Woelfel. Jerry was a constant
presence at family celebrations, delighting the kids by swinging them upside down and with thrill
rides in his fast cars and his playful spirit.
Jerry is survived by his siblings from his father’s marriage to Shannon Quinn (passed in 2021):
Kacie Jordan (Bruce), Colleen De Leon, James (Jim) Quinn (Lisa), Timothy (Tim) Quinn, and
Mary Quinn (Alfonso). He shared a special bond with his siblings, often bringing energy, humor,
and excitement into their lives. He was known as the big brother with big cars and big
adventures. Jerry is further survived by his cousins Susan Watts (David), Neil Swihart (Susan),
Cheryl Tormey (Bill), Douglas Miller, Linden Wise, Gary Wise (Leslie), Caroline Harris (Mark),
Randy Wise (Sandra), and Marilyn Wise Tomorsky (Richard). In addition, Jerry was Uncle Jerry
to his grand-nieces and nephews as well as great-grand–nieces and nephews who adored him.
A fiercely independent man, Jerry lived life on his own terms. Despite his solitary lifestyle, he
was deeply family-oriented, attending countless birthdays, weddings, graduations, holidays, and
gatherings. He had a wide circle of friends and cherished a few special loved ones, including
dear friends like Marlene, Nick and Cheryl, Guy and Candy, Bob, and Gordon. Jerry had a
knack for bringing laughter and joy wherever he went. His love of adventure took him across the
globe to the Philippines, Turkey, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Mexico, and
throughout the United States. He traveled on ships, boats, airplanes, cars, trucks, motorcycles,
side-by-sides, ziplines, Sea-Doos, and even a Segway. From road trips and “guy” trips mission trips
and family vacations, Jerry created unforgettable memories with those who joined
him.
In his 50s, Jerry began exploring a softer side of life. He started attending church, engaging in
philosophical conversations with his cousin Susan and her husband David, often while floating
on Sea-Doos on the Colorado River. This period marked the beginning of meaningful
connections with small church groups and a deeper spiritual journey with God. During this time,
Jerry confidently expressed his belief that he knew where he was destined to go someday—into
the presence of the Lord.
Jerry was always close to his brother Tim, and they had many escapades over the years.
Although they were a bit of an “odd couple,” they complemented and cared for each other. The
two decided to build a home to share in Bullhead City, Arizona, where Jerry lived his last years.
Jerry and Tim spent their days in Arizona laughing, teasing, and embarking on many road trips.
Whether it was exploring the desert, visiting the Grand Canyon, or cruising in Jerry’s iconic
white Land Cruiser, their bond brought joy and companionship to both their lives.
Jerry touched countless lives with his humor, generosity, and adventurous spirit. He will be
deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. For many of us, he seemed to
“always be there”, and we will now have the hard task to live without him.
A burial with military honors will be at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Monday,
March 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
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