Gerald "Jerry" Leroy Beebe

Gerald Leroy Beebe, 77, entered into paradise Monday July 13th, 2015 at his home in Chubbuck, Idaho.

He was born in Pocatello on May 15th, 1938 to Leroy Manuil Beebe and Juanita May Hill Beebe.
He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Alameda Jr High and Pocatello High School graduating in 1958. He attended Idaho State College (now known as Idaho State University) from 1959-1961 on a full ride boxing scholarship majoring in Art.

Jerry was artistically talented, and was asked to work for Walt Disney as the lead artist for the Flintstones. He declined, and pursued his athletic career.

Jerry was an extremely gifted athlete. He was a defensive line backer for Pocatello High School, playing varsity 3 of his 4 years in high school. His senior year he was All American High School State Football recipient. In 1956 and 1957, the Pocatello High School Football team earned the honor of being the third undefeated team in the school's history and to capture the Big Six Championship. 1957 was the initial year for wrestling at Pocatello High School and Jerry was the top middle weight wrestler for the team. During his high school years he participated in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. He was also vice president for the P-Club in high school.

While in high school Jerry was asked to train with the Idaho State College Boxers under the direction and mentoring of Dubby Holt. He sparred in Reed Gym with all-time favorite boxers Jerry Armstrong, Spider Webb and Ed Saunders, who won the Gold Medal at the 1952 Olympics. Jerry earned the NCAA boxing championship in 1960 while also boxing for the National Guard Team. The untimely death of a fellow boxer led to the termination of collegiate boxing and although boxing was his true passion he was recruited by Babe Caccia to play for the football program at ISC. Jerry also participated in the National Guard biathlon team; pistol and rifle team nationwide, winning many championships.

During his lifetime Jerry served in the Idaho National Guard. In 1956 he entered The Guard as a junior in high school and retired after 30 years of service as a 1st SGT. He was employed with J. R. Simplot retiring after 42 years.

Jerry also enjoyed coaching young boxers for the VFW, Gate City Boxing, Junior Olympics and Golden Glove teams over a span of 30 years. He coached the men's softball team during the 1966 and 1967 seasons. He also coached Little League football for many years. Jerry played many years with his family on the interfaith softball coed team in the 80's and 90's.

He married Clara Dartell DeLaMare on May, 16th 1964 in Arco, Idaho and later divorced in 1999. This union produced four sons: Tait (Nico) Beebe Pocatello, Idaho; Trent (Sheri) Beebe Chubbuck, Idaho; Travis Beebe; and Thad (Joanna) Beebe Chubbuck, Idaho. His best man and lifelong friend was Ross Rytting.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pocatello and was baptized on April 14th, 1974 by Pastor George Nye. He attended Rocky Mountain Ministries during the last 4 years of his life.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating, camping, archery, cross country skiing and golf.
Jerry led by example teaching his sons the value of integrity, hard work, dedication and friendship. When asked by his best friends what he was most proud of, Jerry responded that he was proud of his family, friends and students and all their accomplishments.

Along with his three sons Jerry is survived by: two siblings, Edwin (Jeanne) Beebe Pocatello, Idaho and Idona Beebe – Stanley of Chubbuck, Idaho; 7 grandchildren, Anthony, Amy, Tailer, Jadyn, TJ, Jetta and Braxten Beebe; and many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed spending time with.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Leroy and Juanita; and one son, Travis Roy Beebe.
The family is very grateful for Danny and Gary Betty, and Tina Christensen in assisting in dad's care during the last few years of his life.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers please send any donations to Gate City Boxing Club, 323 North Main Street, Pocatello Idaho 83201

Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday July 25, 2015 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Saturday. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.