Bidding a Fond Farewell – Commissioner Klemm Announces Retirement

For Port Commissioner Jerry Klemm, family is at the heart of everything, in ways both deeply personal and wonderfully expansive. He views community as an extension of his family, with his affection for the LC Valley surpassed only by his love for his wife and children.

Jerry will officially retire from the Port Commission on January 31 after 18 years of service. At 86, this milestone caps a lifetime of service to community, loyalty to people, and a desire for fairness.

“I’ve always had good people steering me. I love this community,” Jerry said. “I’ve tried to give back. I feel like I need to do something for my community.”

A self-described “farm kid”, Jerry was raised by parents, Harold and Helen, in rural Nez Perce County, near where he lives now. The farm was a small one, however, and his father supported the family working at Potlatch Corporation’s paper mill, literally a stone’s throw away from home. After high school Jerry served in United States Marine Corps and, after a brief stint working for the Nez Perce County Road Commission, found himself back at the family business.

“I went to work there, and never looked back,” remembered Jerry. “It was like a family. I got along good with everyone.”

For most of his career, Jerry worked as a welder to provide for his family with his wife, Pat, and their children: sons Perry and Ron and daughter Carol. His strong work ethic and affable nature earned him admiration from his colleagues. He dedicated 20 years to representing his local union on the negotiating committee and served as union president for 13 years. He was also on the executive board for the Idaho State AFL-CIO. When he stepped down as president, many workers voted for him as a write-in, despite his decision not to run again.

“I always felt like I needed to do something to help situations in any way I could in a way that was fair to everyone,” said Jerry, who was humbled by the heartfelt knowledge that he left despite the support of his coworkers, not because of it. “Knowing that they believed in me – that I did what was right – was a highlight for me.”

Jerry officially retired from Clearwater Paper in 1999 after 40 years of service. While many might focus on hobbies like hunting and fishing, Jerry chose to keep working for the betterment of his community, whether it was at the local, state, or national level. Post-retirement roles have included involvement with the Pulp and Paper Resources Council, a grassroots organization he co-founded to advocate for the U.S. forest products industry; serving on the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce Board and establishing its Natural Resources Committee; and taking on several roles with the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District, where he remains active.

His dedication to community led him to the Port Commission. “I recognized the significance of the Port, and the meetings were the best way to gather information that impacted my community,” he explained. “When a position opened, I thought, ‘I’m here anyhow.’”

Jerry was officially elected in 2008 for District 3, which covers the southern and eastern part of Nez Perce County. Over nearly two decades of service, he has witnessed swift and rewarding positive changes. “Everything was a challenge, and I was always focused on finding the best solution,” he said. “Every decision mattered, big or small, and I gave both the same time and attention.”

He added that sometimes what seemed like a minor decision, like approving a lease for a fledgling firearms accessory manufacturer through the Port’s business incubator program, resulted in the development of a nationally recognized company: Seekins Precision.

“It’s now a multi-million-dollar company. It’s a great feeling,” Jerry said. “Knowing I played a small part of that decision means a lot.”

The steady development of Peter K. Wilson Industrial Park, now home to Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Clearview Eye Clinic, and more, has also been a source of pride. Jerry also admits, when he started with the Port back in 2008, he never imagined seeing a cruise ship dock in Lewiston.

“I never dreamt of it,” he laughed. “But there were a lot of discussions, decisions made leading up to it. It was a three-member Commission that had to discuss options, compromise, find solutions. And now we have cruise ships.”

Throughout his time at the Port, Jerry served on various committees and boards, including the Resolutions Committee for the Idaho Water Users Association and the Executive Board for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. He has interacted with numerous local officials, state and federal lawmakers, governors, and presidential aides, all with the aim of advancing his community.

“I look at everyone as an equal,” Jerry said. “No one is better than anyone else. It’s all about finding connections and working toward the best solution for everyone.”

A constant source of support is his wife of 65 years, Pat. She kept the home fires burning: caring for their children, preparing meals, making sure his clothing matched, and that he was packed adequately for the many trips he took for his career and beyond. In return, he encouraged her to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse. Fittingly, with family history, she operated the first aid station at the mill for 25 years before retiring herself.

“I was really proud of her. She always made sure I had everything I needed, and I encouraged her to get what she wanted,” he said, a grin lighting up his face. “She’s pretty cool.”

Now, Jerry feels it’s the perfect time to step back and focus on Pat and his family, which now includes several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry is quick to say he will still be involved, just with a bit more time to relax. His legacy of fairness and service will continue to inspire the LC Valley for years to come.

You deserve it, Jerry. Thank you.