George J. "Jerry" Shaw, 96

George J. "Jerry" Shaw, 96, of Spokane passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, in Spokane. He was born Aug. 31, 1912, in Rocker, to George and Anna Marie Shaw.

Jerry was a self-made man. Bringing his five small children to the small town of Eureka, he owned Gambled, the only general store in town. Then he started the First National Bank of Eureka and was president until he retired.

His life purpose was first his God, then his family, and then he carried that through to everyone he met. He valued everyone and was valued back by all. He was loved and revered by many. Even though we know he is in a better place, he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Beverly Joan and Dale Van Tassel, Mary Julia and Ray Eberth, JoyceAnn and Steve Sander, and Janice and Dave Healy; his son, George J. Shaw Jr., and Barbara; a sister, Elizabeth "Bette" Hartnett; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beryl Edna Shaw; his second wife, Becky Shaw; an infant child, Charles James Shaw; his parents; and his brother, Charles Shaw.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Benn Burr Road, Spokane, WA 99223. He will be inurned at the Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery at the same address.

Please visit Jerry's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hennessey Smith Funeral Home of Spokane.