Jerry Simison update.

[Cakes]

It is with a sad heart that I must pass along the news of Jerry's passing. Jerry (Karl) Simison was a well respected gunsmith, machinist and competitive shooter. He resided in the Detroit Lakes, MN area for many years and I had the pleasure of visiting with him numerous times. We are all probably aware of his machining and shooting skills but I also learned that he was part of the Penske and Mercury Motors off-shore racing team. In the 60's he made his living as an off-shore racer and is a member of the American Power Boat Association Hall of Honor. Boat driver for Johnny Cash and has 34 national and world championships to his credit. Obviously a man of many talents as I new him as just a wonderful man who loved shooting and everything that went along with it. He will truly be missed. Eric in DL

 

[butchlambert]

I knew Jerry was gravely ill, but I kept hoping. Prayers for both him and his family.

 

[Raptor]

So sorry to hear that. Jerry was a great smith and shooter. He built several rifles for me and we became good friends over the years. He always treated me well and gave me good deals on everything I got from him. He will be missed, thank you for posting.

 

[kjcpoint]

I had the pleasure of having Jerry as my rifle smith mentor over the last 7 years. Jerry spent 2-3 days a week showing me the ins and outs of rifle building, and reloading. He always told me there are several ways to reach the end product but this is how he does it. And it worked!

The first year and a half I was in charge of cleaning the sharp, romi, cholchester and nardini. Knowing I was in the right place, I didn't bat an eye. Kept my mouth shut and ears open. Soon after that I was cutting tenons, threads and chambering.

Before his Parkinson's made him leave his shop, he made me a wonderful offer on his nardini and made it possible for me to build rifles the way he taught me. Jerry never asked for a dime, just wanted me to do well in the business.

Jerry's has influenced my life more than anyone. He is in good hands now!

Kyle

 

[jerdebson]

Kyle

That sounds like a fantastic opportunity to learn from a great Mentor. Jerry sounds like a person I would like to have known. I'm sure you, and many others, will miss him.

I wish you well in continuing his/your passion.

 

[Cigarcop]

I had the pleasure of having Jerry as my rifle smith mentor over the last 7 years. Jerry spent 2-3 days a week showing me the ins and outs of rifle building, and reloading. He always told me there are several ways to reach the end product but this is how he does it. And it worked!

The first year and a half I was in charge of cleaning the sharp, romi, cholchester and nardini. Knowing I was in the right place, I didn't bat an eye. Kept my mouth shut and ears open. Soon after that I was cutting tenons, threads and chambering.

Before his Parkinson's made him leave his shop, he made me a wonderful offer on his nardini and made it possible for me to build rifles the way he taught me. Jerry never asked for a dime, just wanted me to do well in the business.

Jerry's has influenced my life more than anyone. He is in good hands now!

Kyle

Thats awesome, I had one of his rifles and boy did it shoot good, attention to detail was superb!

 

[MrMajestic]

Our ranks have been reduced, my thoughts and prayers go out to his.

 

[Jazz]

Jerry was a very smart, talented, high energy man. He took the time to explain what he was doing to your rifle and the reloading process to you. As a newbie to semi custom rifles I asked Bartlien Barrels while ordering a new barrel if they had any recommendations for a gunsmith in MN. I was given the name and number of Jerry Simison and was told he showed up to competitions with several nice rifles. I called Jerry and later had him chamber and semi blueprint a half dozen rem 700's over the last years. I later found out he was a friend of my grandparents (who owned a Chevrolet dealership near Fergus Falls)and dad (who he borrowed machining books from while he attended college), meeting while he worked for GM. Small world! After getting to know him, Jerry showed me his trophy animal collection in a room in his garage that he was very proud of. LOts of amazing animals in there. He also had at one time a large collection of very nice rifles that he proudly showed off. He told me he was good friends with Gale Mcmillan. I observed a Mcmillan scope mounted on one off his rifles that he said he got from him. Never heard of that brand of scope, but I saw it. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet the man. He will be missed.