Gerald S. (Jerry) Nash

Gerald S. (Jerry) Nash died on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington after a three year struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Galveston, Texas, on July 30, 1937, the third son of Roy Lee Nash and Molly Eloise Mosley Nash. He went to school in Galveston before the family moved to La Marque. He graduated from La Marque High School in 1955 and enrolled in Texas A&M where he was a part of the Singing Cadets.

Jerry volunteered for military service in 1958. After completing basic training at Fort Carson, CO he was stationed at Hanford Missile Base near Richland, WA. Through involvement at West Side Church he attended Whitworth College in Spokane. Following graduation in 1962 with a BA in Literature, he began studies at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He met Helen Bengtson in Kirkland, WA during an internship in ministry. They were married in July 1964 and Jerry graduated in 1967 with a Masters in Divinity and was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister. In early 1967, Jerry and Helen attended six months of orientation for overseas church work.

Son, Gene was born in Seattle before the family departed for South Korea. A second son, James, was born in Seoul in 1969. During the five years the family was in Korea, Jerry was director of a Center for American Servicemen in Tongduchon, north of Uijongbu (location of M*A*SH*.) Upon returning to the states in 1972, Jerry studied at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, and was involved in courses in Clinical Pastoral Education in preparation for work as a hospital chaplain. Further

courses were completed in Wichita, Kansas, and in 1975, Jerry began 15 years as hospital chaplain at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City, eventually becoming the Director of Pastoral Care. In 1990, Jerry became the chaplain at Overlake Hospital and Medical Center, Bellevue, retiring in 2002.

Jerry is survived by Helen of Redmond WA; son Gene of Bremerton, WA; son Jim, daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and grandson Nathan of Seattle. His parents and brother, James M. predeceased him. His brother Gene C. and sister-in-law Marie, of Texas City, survive him as does his step-mother, Ruth Nash, Houston; stepbrothers, Joe Holton, Houston; and Bill Holton, Virginia Beach; nieces, Jennifer Goolsby, Renee Nash, and Stephanie Nash; and nephews Roy and Warren Nash all of Texas. He is also survived by Helen’s sister and brother-in-law, Irma and Bruce Heiple, Grass Valley, CA, and their children, Tim and Tanya.

In addition to his work at Overlake, Jerry volunteered as a chaplain for the Bellevue Fire Department. For many years he was also a volunteer with the American Lung Association in support of their fundraising bicycle rides. He obtained his amateur radio license (K7GSN) in order to better support “The Lung”.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jerry’s life on Sunday, January 30, 3:00 pm at Newport Presbyterian Church; 4010 – 120th Ave SE; Bellevue, WA with a reception to follow (directions at www.newportpres.org.)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Newport Presbyterian Church, PO Box 53385, Bellevue, WA, 98015-3385

or the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific; 2625 Third Ave; Seattle, WA 98121.

5 Responses to “Gerald S. (Jerry) Nash”

Joyce Franklin Ober says:

January 23, 2011 at 10:21 pm

From a LaMarque High School class of 1955 classmate. So happy that you, Helen, and Jerry had such a wonderful and fulfilling life together. Was so happy to see you both at our 50 year class reunion in 2005. I know that you have many great memories. Bless you and your family.
Amy Upchurch says:

January 24, 2011 at 8:32 am

So So sad to hear of this loss for our world! I pray you guys are holding up well, and know that he is looking down on you (pain-free!) with love through this time.
I will always remember Jerry fondly. Especially every time I sing the “dogs”ology…
Much love, Amy
Cherie (Kimball) Faraone says:

January 24, 2011 at 2:40 pm

Helen,

I am so sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. I have such fond memories of the time he lived at our house. I still have my copy of Winnie the Pooh that he gave me for Christmas oh so many years ago. I have read it to my daughters and now granddaughter.
I am sorry that I am not able to attend his sevice but know that my prayers are with you all.

Fondly,
Cherie
Rebecca Austin Ediger says:

January 29, 2011 at 11:36 am

Helen,
Was so sorry to hear the news of Jerry’s passing. Every time I go by Presbyterian Hospital on the way to church, I think of our wedding almost 25 years ago. He was a great friend and minister. Ralph and I will be thinking of you and your family tomorrow.
Peace and Love, Becky
Rebecca Blackwell says:

January 31, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Dear Helen and family;
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry’s death. He (as well as you, Helen) was such a wonderful colleague and friend during the time I served in Seattle Presbytery. I treasure having known him and will be in prayer for you today as you celebrate his life and entrust him to the One who loves him far more than ever we could.
Rebecca