Jerry passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene after an extended illness.

Jerry was born Dec. 21, 1931, in West Lafayette, Ind., to Emma and Lee Miles.

He attended high school at Ohio Military Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. He played on both the football and basketball team and graduated in 1950. After attending Purdue University, he moved west, eventually calling Coeur d'Alene his home.

Jerry owned and operated numerous business entities over the years, most notably Coeur d'Alene Motors where you were always welcome for coffee and cookies.

From the beginning, Jerry had both an active interest and an aptitude for many aspects of the automobile industry. He will be remembered by many from his early years at Pool Motors, the local Studebaker dealership in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Many of his personally owned Studebakers earned him respect and dozens of trophies at Deer Park Speedway. Jerry's involvement with the Idaho Independent Automobile Dealers Association began decades ago and culminated with the Lifetime Achievement Award he received in 2010.

Aside from cars Jerry had several interests. He was a founding member of the Lakeland Booster club and served on the Lakeland School Board for several terms. He could be counted on for his support for the many causes in which he believed.

In 2008 he received an honorary rank of Lt. Colonel from the Ohio Military Institute for his involvement in school recognition.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sally (Trueblood) Miles of Hayden and four children, Robert and Shelley Miles Hines of Arlington, Wash., Jerold L. "Jerry" Miles of Redding, Calif., Bradley and Laurie Miles of Spokane Valley, Wash., and William "Bill" and Trisha Miles of Hayden. Also, a sister Susan Miles, in Lafayette, Ind. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He has numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that also survive.

Jerry was preceded in death by his older brothers, Lawrence, Howard and Vincent Miles.

Jerry was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

An informal memorial gathering (open house format) will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at The Iron Horse Restaurant in downtown Coeur d'Alene.