Memorials › Jerome Benedict "Jerry" Divis

Jerome Benedict "Jerry" Divis

26 May 1920 – 1 May 2008

Birth26 May 1920
Death1 May 2008
CemeteryLocust Grove Cemetery
Brewster , Okanogan County , Washington , USA
Added byTeresa on 01 Oct 2009
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41819084

Bio

Wenatchee World - May 3, 2008 Well known Brewster resident, Jerome B. "Jerry" Divis, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the age of 87, due to natural causes. Jerry was well known in the community for many reasons. He and his wife, Mona had five boys, Thomas, Jerry, Sterling, James and John, all of whom grew up in Brewster, where they helped out on the family apple orchards and were active it athletics. Jerome was also well known in the community as the longtime owner of the Rio Theater. For decades, the Rio Theater served as the focal point for entertainment in the Brewster area. When a 'G' rated movie was playing, Jerry was known as the best babysitter in town. Kids would be dropped off by the car load at the Rio, while parents would slip away for a night on the town, well, at least till the movies were over. Jerry was born in Brainard, NE, May 26, 1920, to parents, James Divis and Mary Divis (Kobza). Brainard was a Bohemian farming community, and Jerome spoke Czech at home on the family farm during the Depression. Jerome graduated from Brainard High School in 1938, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served aboard the USS Astoria, a New Orleans class heavy cruiser. Jerome was in and out of Pearl Harbor just days before and after its attack on December 7, 1942. Jerome manned a five inch gun and participated in heavy action in the Coral Sea and at Midway. However, it was the Battle of Savo Island, August 8-9, 1942, near Guadalcanal, where he almost lost his life during a surprise night attack by Japanese ships. In the end, the Astoria and about 238 of her crew were lost that night. Jerome, burned and injured by shrapnel, was forced to abandon ship and spent the night in shark infested waters. He was badly injured and a poor swimmer, but managed to cling to life by hanging onto an empty shell canister. That is when he heard cries for help. He managed to move in the direction of the sound to find a man (Joe Milner) injured and struggling to stay afloat. The two shared the shell canister and just managed to keep their chins above water. Jerome and Joe were picked up the next day, when they were on the edge of exhaustion. They became life long friends and their story inspired friends and relatives. Jerome spent two years at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA, where he endured many pioneering surgeries to recover from his injuries. That is where he met the love of his life, Okanogan native, Mona Marie Monroe, while she was visiting her sister in San Diego. The two were wed February 10, 1945. Later the two settled in Seattle, where Jerome attended the U of W. Later, they settled and lived the rest of their lives in Brewster. That's where they raised apples and their five sons. Jerome is known best for owning and operating the Rio Theater. As theater operator, he befriended hundreds of locals. He was also an avid goose hunter and bass fisherman. Jerome was preceded in death by his wife, Mona, in 1989. He was also preceded by his siblings, Mary Brukner, James Divis, Rosie Trojan and Ernest Divis, all of whom resided in Nebraska. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Tom and Beverly of South Beach, OR, Jerry and Lori of Spokane, WA, Sterling and Tammy and Jim and Dana, all of Brewster, and John and Connie of Wenatchee; and 14 grandchildren. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the Barnes Chapel, Brewster. Memorial Services will be held at the Brewster Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2008, and will be followed be a Burial Service at the Brewster Cemetery and Banquet at the Legion Hall in Brewster. Contact the Barnes Chapel for details. Those who wish, may make a memorial in his name to the American Legion Post 97 or American Legion Scholarship Fund.

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