Jerry Duckworth lived a fruitful life as a lifelong union pipefitter with an unwavering work ethic and a kind, generous spirit.
He was a loving brother, son, uncle, and union brother who left a lasting impact on all those who knew him. He passed away suddenly in Hillsboro, Oregon, on Sept. 22, 2026.
Jerold Russell Duckworth was born on Jan. 30, 1965, in Santa Maria to Jim and Gail Duckworth. He attended local schools, graduating from Santa Maria High School in 1983 where he played football and baseball.
Jerry first became interested in welding during high school and later attended Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, majoring in welding technology. While at Cal Poly, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Jerry forged a remarkable career as a union pipefitter for more than 34 years. In 1991, he joined Local 114 in Buellton as an apprentice pipefitter.
For the next decade, Jerry crisscrossed the U.S. working various union jobs in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and the greater Ohio Valley before laying roots in Hillsboro in 2003 where he joined Local 290 Plumbers & Steamfitters in Tualatin, Oregon.
He worked for Harder Construction at the Hillsboro Intel campus, where he refined his skills particularly in orbital welding used in the production of semiconductors.
Jerry achieved tremendous success during his 23-year career with Harder, beginning as a journeyman and later becoming a foreman and general foreman. He was a vital member of the Harder leadership team.
Jerry had countless interests including photography, fishing, crossword puzzles, and golfing. He especially enjoyed yearly golf trips with close friends from the Harder leadership team, as well as playing in Harder’s annual golf tournament.
He enjoyed taking vacations with his brothers in pursuit of visiting all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.
Jerry held a special place in the lives of his brothers Sham and Justin. As the middle of the three, he was the one who brought a balanced, steady presence they could count on.
To his brothers, he was the best of the three of them, although they might not have readily admitted it when he was around. Despite the passage of time, the bond they shared remained strong.
Jerry is preceded in death by his mother Gail Everling, and father Jim Duckworth. He is survived by brothers Sham (Marian) and Justin (Karen); nephew Dawson Duckworth; and nieces Claire Perales-Duckworth and Marin Duckworth.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at Local 290 Plumbers & Steamfitters Hall, 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin, Oregon.
A memorial service will be held in Santa Maria at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Tee Oregon or First Tee Central Coast.