The Man Behind the Pole: A Life of Adventure and Service
Jerry Proudfit, a resident of Grand Living at Tower Place since November 30, 2022, is not your average 89-year-old. A former Class B pole vault state champion and a man of numerous talents and passions, Jerry’s life story is a testament to resilience, humor, and an unwavering commitment to community.
A Champion is Born
Jerry’s journey began in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was born, and later moved to 8th Street in West Des Moines as a young boy. Born to Opal, who worked for the phone company, and Cecil, a mechanic and gas station manager, Jerry was the youngest and only boy among four siblings.
As a child, Jerry was shy, energetic, and something of a daredevil. These traits stayed with him throughout his life, earning him a reputation as a fearless and helpful individual who always had a joke up his sleeve. His daughter, Kimberly Barber, recalls, “Everyone loved my
dad, as he was always willing to help out. He never complained and just enjoys being with people and making them laugh.”
The Pole Vaulting Prodigy
Jerry’s athletic prowess was evident early on. In 1952, he won the Class B pole vault state championship for West Des Moines Valley with a remarkable jump of 11 feet, 8.5 inches. His best jump, a Class B record of 11 feet, 9.75 inches, earned him a scholarship offer at Iowa State. However, Jerry chose military service over college, serving his country in the Navy.
Despite not pursuing a collegiate athletic career, Jerry never let go of his beloved pole. Kimberly fondly remembers, “When my brothers and I were young, our dad would fearlessly break out the pole to show his vaulting abilities in the backyard.”
A Love Story
Jerry’s life took another exciting turn when he met Marilyn Owen, the love of his life, just three blocks away from his childhood home in West Des Moines. After serving four years in the Navy during the Korean War, Jerry and Marilyn tied the knot and started a family. They were blessed with three children: Scott, Eric, and Kimberly.
A Life of Service and Adventure
After his military service, Jerry embarked on a diverse and fulfilling career. He worked as a barber, a City Clerk in West Des Moines for over 20 years, and later as an insurance salesman for Horace Mann until his retirement at the age of 62.
Even in retirement, Jerry was far from idle. He devoted his time to serving in the church ministry, helping people with various home improvement jobs. Kimberly proudly shares, “He was always out helping people.”
Jerry is also a handyman. He skillfully finished basements, handling drywall, plumbing, and electrical work. There wasn’t anything he could not fix.
A Man of Many Hobbies
Jerry’s adventurous spirit extended beyond his professional life. He earned his pilot’s license in the late ’70s and took his family on flights to visit his mother in Oklahoma. When health issues forced him to give up flying, Jerry discovered a new passion: flying remote-controlled planes. He also loved playing pitch (a card game) and was a talented musician who played the guitar, gut bucket (stringed instrument), and harmonica.
Dancing Through Life
Jerry and Marilyn were avid square dancers in the ’70s and ’80s, often dressing up in their finest attire and displaying their impressive dance skills. After Marilyn retired at 62, she soon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She lived with the illness for 10 years. Jerry took care of her until she passed away in December of 2010. Jerry often will look at her photos and reminisce about their dancing days. It’s no surprise that Jerry’s love for dancing has endured, and he continues to enjoy socializing and dancing with friends.
A New Chapter at Grand Living
About a year and a half ago, Jerry moved to Grand Living at Tower Place (West Des Moines), a decision prompted by his daughter Kimberly to be closer to her. They chose Grand Living because of how beautiful the remarkable senior living community is and how friendly the staff is. The move has been a positive one for Jerry, who loves socializing with fellow residents and participating in community events. Kimberly shares, “He rarely watches TV these days alone in his apartment because he’s always downstairs socializing. He loves the Tuesday/Friday social times the most.” Jerry also likes to spend his time with his beautiful three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren as often as possible.
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Jerry Proudfit’s life is a tapestry of adventure, service, and laughter. From his days as a pole vaulting prodigy to his years of dedicated service in the Navy and his numerous hobbies and passions, Jerry’s zest for life is truly inspiring. His daughter Kimberly sums it up best: “He loves to joke and tease people and have lots of fun. He loves to see people smile and laugh.”
Honoring the Champion Athlete
As Jerry continues to embrace retirement life at Grand Living at Tower Place, one thing is clear: his legacy of resilience, humor, and love will continue to inspire all who have the privilege of knowing him.
Jerry was recently interviewed by KCCI 8 Des Moines Sports Director, Scott Reister to commemorate his athleticism at the Drake Relay, an outdoor track and field event in Des Moines. To view this interview held at Grand Living at Tower Place, visit here.
