Jerry La Von West, age 79, of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away at home on May 25, 2025 — leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and stories that will be told for generations.

Born on April 26, 1946, in Moscow, Idaho, to Donald and Vivian West, Jerry grew up in Fernwood where he attended school and began forming the unforgettable personality he would carry through life — one filled with with, warmth, and a smile that could light up a room. (Or talk his way in or out of just about anything)

He left school early to work for his father at Fernwood Tie and also worked for Bud and Glenn McCall before later enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 18, where he served for two years before returning home.

Jerry’s love story with Sharon Procopio began on a school bus when he was just 14. They reunited a few years later and married on June 4, 1966, in Potlatch, Idaho. Over six decades later, their journey together is one filled with devotion, adventure, and an endless stream of jokes, and just the right amount of stubbornness!

Jerry wore many hats (and usually a ball cap): logger, farmer, mobile home hauler, RV transporter, and log truck driver. He and Sharon crisscrossed the western U.S. — he behind the wheel, she leading in the pilot car — sharing the road and the view. He also worked alongside his daughter Charlie at the mill during her twenties, and later again at Riverside Wood Products in her late thirties and early forties — memories they both cherished. His work ethic was unmatched, but so was his ability to make people laugh until their sides hurt.

In his younger days, Jerry tore up the racetrack as a circle track driver and proudly built race cars for Sharon and daughter Debby. Watching them win in the Mud Drags filled him with pride — the only thing brighter than their trophies was the smile on his face.

After buying land near St. Maries in 2011, Jerry and Sharon spent their retirement between Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona before settling down full-time in 2020. He found joy in the mountains, out on the water with a fishing pole in hand, or behind the wheel of his side-by-side — always with a laugh ready and a twinkle in his eye.

Jerry was the kind of man who could fix anything, tease you lovingly, and offer a hand before you even asked. He and Sharon also raised their granddaughter Carissa until she was 8 years old, alongside their daughter Charlie — and, well, truth be told, he continued raising her as an adult, too! His booming laugh, big smile, and even bigger heart made him impossible to forget. He was an amazing grandfather to all of his grandchildren. Granddaughter Natalie would often say he was a father figure to her as well. His booming laugh, big smile, and bigger heart made him impossible to forget.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon West, of St. Maries; his daughters, Debby Davis and Charlie (Jeri) Aaron; his grandchildren, Carissa, Natalie, Makenzie, Madison, and Skyler; and great-grandchildren, Rylea, Liam, and Atom. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Roger Brady of Gresham, OR; his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Marcie West of Pocatello, ID; and countless family and friends who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Vivian West; his brothers, Gary West and Ray West; and his son-in-law, Tom Davis.

Jerry’s faith in the Lord anchored his life and brought him peace. His laughter echoed through every room he entered, and his presence will be deeply missed — but never forgotten.

Forever in our hearts, and always in our best stories. Until we meet again, Jerry — save us a seat at the table (and a line for one of your classic jokes)!