About
Jerry Thorpe

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Jerry grew up in Bellevue, Washington and after high school went to the University of Puget Sound. While studying political science he worked on the John F. Kennedy campaign and served as treasurer for the Washington State Young Democrats. While working on the John Kennedy campaign he identified with the ideals that would later create the Peace Corp. Then with Robert Kennedy his thoughts of working to uplift the entire community became crystal clear. He started his teaching at Baker Jr. High in Tacoma where he met and married his best friend Janet. At that time he ran for successive terms on the Metro Parks Board of Tacoma and served for twelve years. Later he was elected to the Tacoma Port Commission. With the Port he saw that government does not have to always have its hand out for more money but can live within its budget just the same as families everywhere in the Tacoma School District. He coached soccer for twenty-five years as a family activity with his son Eric; this also provided an opportunity to work with young people. He coached boys' and girls' soccer in high school and advised chess and speech teams. A highlight while teaching at Wilson High School was chaperoning eight high school groups over the years to Washington, D.C. as part of the Close Up program.

 

Community Services:

  • Tacoma Port Commissioner
  • Former Chair of the Tacoma School District Superintendents Advisory Council
  • Chair for 1996 Pierce County Arthritis Fund Raising Golf Tournament
  • Founding member of the Snake Lake Advisory Committee
  • Former member of the Fort Nisqually Advisory Committee
  • Former member of the Lion's Club
  • Former President and Coach for North Tacoma Soccer Association
  • Life Member of the National Education Association
  • Former Treasurer of the North End Neighborhood Council
  • Sons of Norway
  • Sons of Italy (Washington State Trustee)
  • Immediate Past President of the National ACBL Educational Foundation
  • Metropolitan Park Board of Tacoma Commissioner
  • Deacon and Elder for the Presbyterian Church
  • Past Ambassador for the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce
  • Blood donor to the Cascade Regional Blood Services