BELFAST — Jerry Dale Gould Sr., 79 of Belfast, Maine, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, at home, after a courageous battle with a GBM brain tumor. 

Jerry was born to Lucious and Mildred (Bessey) Gould on September 09, 1945. He attended school in Belfast, graduating from the Crosby High School class of 1964. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1968 to fulfill his duty to his country.

After serving in the Army, he began working in construction, operating heavy equipment, and driving. After realizing he had a passion for travel and driving, he decided to start what would be a lifelong career as a self-employed owner-operator. This led to him eventually starting P&J Trucking and traveling across the United States. He had lifelong trucking friends who kept in touch and remained close throughout his entire life.

“Jerry was one of the last pioneers,” Russo, a close friend of Dad’s, recently stated. “If Jerry said he would be there for a pickup or delivery at a certain place or time, he was always there. Jerry was a man of his word.” After over four decades and hundreds of thousands of miles, he retired from trucking in 2019.

Jerry loved being on the water, both boating and water skiing, which he later passed on to his own children and grandchildren. He restored the boat he learned to ski behind with his dad and eventually taught his children and grandchildren to water ski behind that very same boat. In his younger years, Jerry spent time hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling with his beloved Uncle Woody, Aunt Mary, and family. He also spent many happy days at his parents’ camp on Pitcher Pond.

Jerry also enjoyed being at home, caring for his lawn, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. He was always the one to stay in touch with everyone in his family and kept them all informed about one another’s lives. Every summer, Jerry looked forward to being with his trucking friends at the R.C. Moore Annual Chicken Haulers party at his dear friend Don Tobey’s in South China.

In the last year of Jerry’s life, some fond memories included spending time at local car shows and fairs, our rides to Togus, cookouts with friends, apple picking, pedicures, spending the day at the finish line of the Great Race in Gardiner and eating with family after, his 79th birthday party, Port Clyde lighthouse, riding in the Wreath’s Across America mobile unit, his sunset ride in the MG, the Passy Canoe Race, nightly family dinners, talks and walks, rides and visits with childhood friends and classmates, visits with nieces, nephews, neighbors, family, truckers, and friends, Dad’s hummingbirds,  and “The Voice” on Monday nights. Throughout all the adventures, he never lost his sense of direction: we never needed a GPS, we had our JPS a.k.a. (Jerry Positioning Sensor). Dad still knew all the back roads and shortcuts to our destinations.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents; his sister Joy Brown; and nephew, Carlon Clark.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Pam Grass; son, Jerry Gould Jr.; cherished grandchildren, Kristen Nickels, Dean Grass, and Travis Lucious Gould; long-time companion, Ellie Groover; sister Judy Olsen (Kerry); and nieces and nephews.

Dad decided that instead of a funeral he wanted to participate in his celebration of life. What a celebration it was with more than 100 people who came to enjoy a meal, visit, and reminisce about life on the road, family, and friendships.

A special thank you to WCGH, Life Flight, Portland Maine Medical, Alfond Radiation Center, VA Togus, Lu-Emerson and staff, Aunt Judy’s many custards, and so many of you that were here this past year for our Dad.

Dad, it has been three months since you passed away and over a year since you took the Life Flight ride. How blessed we were to have had another year with you and watch God do what ONLY he can. We are thankful for the adventures and making so many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten. You will forever live on in our hearts. We miss you and love you, Dad.

In honor of Dad, there will be a brick laid on the foot bridge in Belfast, Maine, with his name on it in remembrance of all our cherished walks and talks together.

Dad will be laid to rest with his final truck ride to the Central Maine Veterans Cemetery – Mt Vernon Road in a private graveside service. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com