Jerald "Jerry" Leroy Jarnagin of Ames, died Friday, May 22, 2009 at his home. A visitation will be 3:00 -- 8:00 PM with the family present 6:00 -8:00 PM Wednesday, May 27, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way. A Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 28, at Collegiate United Methodist Church. Private Family burial will be at Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Jerry was born on October 26, 1940 in Sac City, IA the son of Claire H. and Maxine R. (Collins) Jarnagin. He graduated from Sac City High School in 1958. He then graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Microbiology. In 1976 he received his Masters in Veterinary Microbiology from Iowa State University.
Jerry married Carolyn Marie Phipps on July 25, 1965. His working career was spent at National Veterinary Service Laboratory as a microbiologist in the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program. He worked for 36 years before his retirement. Following retirement he spent 4 years part time at the Veterinary College at ISU. He enjoyed his job working with mycobacteria and fungi. He isolated two rare mycobacterial species not previously found in domestic animals. During his working career he was a member of American Society of Microbiology and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. And he was a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Jerry enjoyed painting, model making, reading adventure stories, astronomy and gardening, and photography. He and Carolyn were very active at Collegiate United Methodist Church where they were involved with several committees and programs. He especially enjoyed Fishers, Forum, and his involvement with Christian Education. He enjoyed his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn his two sons and a daughter, Mark of Washington DC, Brian (Shelley) of Hugo, MN, and Jayna (Mrs. Domenic Marcelli) of Hagerstown, MD, four grandchildren, Katie Jarnagin of Minnesota and Domenic, Alexandra and Allysa Marcelli of Maryland, one sister Joyce Irwin of Sac City.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be directed to Collegiate United Methodist Church Women's Group, Mary Greeley Foundation Homeward Hospice and Hydrocephalus
Society.

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.