Jerry Lee Potter
March 1, 1953 - May 23, 2025
Jerry Lee Potter made friends everywhere he went, and we have no doubt that the streets of heaven are blessed by his hospitality. He was born March 1, 1953, in Trenton, MO to Robert Ray Ivo Potter and Berta Fae Meehan Potter. After moving many times through his childhood, the Potter family settled in Anamosa, IA where Jerry graduated from Anamosa High School in 1971. There he began his love for photography working for the Anamosa Eureka Journal and then at Albaugh Studios. He then headed off to Mid America Nazarene College to study journalism and was active in everything from campus publications to campus pranks; from singing with Heritage Choir and then traveling with the Heritage Quartet. His most significant college experience, however, was providing a ride home from school to Mary Virginia Heldreth. He married his best friend on November 21, 1973, and the smile you see here was from their 51st wedding anniversary dinner at their favorite restaurant.
Jerry worked in Photo Services at Collins Radio Co. for a few years prior to starting a 36-year career with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2013 after working in multiple roles including patrol, traffic, SWAT, Internal Affairs, General Services, liaison to the Chaplains and instructing in the Police Academy. He also was a member of both Linn County Underwater Search and Rescue and the Johnson County Metro Dive Team. Following his retirement, he worked briefly in court security at the Federal Courthouse and continued as Director of Security for the Double Tree Hilton and Convention Center for five years. Additionally, he photographed most of Cedar Rapids, if not the Midwest, throughout his decades of operating Potter’s Photo Art, an in-home and on-location photography studio.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, scuba diver, camper, and loved any opportunity for adventure. He was a member of the Cedar Four Wheelers Jeep Club and recently, the Cedar Valley Wood Turners. He also was a very active member of the First Church of the Nazarene, now Infuse Church. He served as a board member, choir member, worship team member, baby day photographer, youth sponsor, church dinner team member and just about everything else volunteer.
Jerry was passionate about the people of Cedar Rapids. His love for his community, and his country for that matter, was evident in the way he gave of his time and resources. In recent years, he was active with Green Square Meals and Serve The City although he served with countless faith based and community organizations throughout his years. Jerry lived his life with a generous hospitality that comes first and foremost from his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was his desire that everyone he met know that they are deeply loved by our creator who makes it possible to live a life in harmony with God and with others.
Jerry and Mary have three children, Jamie (Brian Ross), Ryan and Melissa; five grandchildren Dominic, Olivia, Noah, Brayden and Alexis. Jerry is also survived by his mother, Berta, who just celebrated her 104th birthday; brother, Don (Cindy), sister, Karren (Darrell Arvidson), brother-in-law Don "Marty" Martin, sister-in-law Mary Lou Potter, and many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob, his sister, Kathryn, his brother, Michael and daughter-in-law Dream.
Jerry died peacefully in the care of Mercy’s Oldorf Hospice House on May 23, 2025, following a 21-month, miracle-filled, journey with cancer. Please join us to honor and celebrate his life with a visitation from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Infuse Church, 3113 1st Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, and a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the church, with an additional visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Even in death, his anthem was found in the words of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
