Jerry Grant Coles II
May 04, 2021
Jerry Grant Coles II aka “Big Daddy Woo Woo”, passed away suddenly on May 4, 2021 doing what he loved the most. He was born February 14, 1970 in Des Moines to Jerry and Laurie (Nicholson) Coles, Sr.
Jerry enjoyed collecting clocks and was a world class tinkerer. His greatest passion was riding his motorcycle and his greatest joy was being a father. Jerry was a member of Laborer’s Local 177. He was an animal lover, great cook, and could throw down in the kitchen with the best of them. Although he had a tough exterior, he had the biggest heart of anyone you could hope to meet. He will be missed dearly and his memory will live on through the lives he touched.
He is survived by his children, Kamie, Conner, Caleb and Kayla; grandchildren, Isaiah, Nazik, Nazirah, Kamilah and one on the way; father, Jerry (Laura) Coles, Sr.; sister, Stacey (Eugene) Behles; and many relatives and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Laurie Nicholson Coles; and the mothers of his children, Katherine Corrigan (Kamie) and Karrie Davis (Conner, Caleb and Kayla) .
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Dana Johnston (Guzman)
05/19/2021
So sorry to hear of your tragic passing, Jerry. We haven't really talked since high school when we dated for a very short time, but every time I hear ZZTOP I can't help, but think of you. It brings me comfort knowing you believed in God. My condolences to all of your family and close friends. RIP Jerry!!
Bruce Mickelson
05/18/2021
I grew up with Jerry. I lived on SW 14th St., and he on, SW 15th ST. We went to grade school together at Watrous and then Jr. High at McCombs. I have not seen Jerry for 35 years and I spoke to him about 10 years ago, having an amazing conversation. I could tell then he was a man of God, even though I knew the path he took was not always on the right side of the track. Same for me. But we both ended up in a good place. When I was still listening to Puff the Magic Dragon, He was the first guy to turn me on to AC\DC Back in Black and I was never the same. We were young and careless and having the time of our lives. He was a good person then as he was the one friend, I had that did not care that I was poor and had parents who struggled with alcoholism. He always accepted me with open arms. As we grew into teenagers together, I would eventually leave Iowa and move to Wisconsin, but I never forgot him. It seems we both grew into good family men with a heart for God. All that said, I now live in Milwaukee WI and like I said it has been 35 years since I have seen him, but when I heard of his passing, it broke my heart, and I knew I would miss him forever because I would not be who I am today if not for him. I miss you, Jerry. You will always me my best friend.
Laura J Kinnard
05/18/2021
As cousins through marriage, we are connected by such a lovely lady - Linda (Coles) Abarr, and pretty much saw each other at family holiday get-togethers at Grandma Coles house or at extended family events like funerals. So we did not get to know each other really well, even though we have known each other for a long time. But you were always so nice, friendly, and welcoming and I remember you most for your grin. No person should leave this planet so soon, or so needlessly and unexpectedly in this way. I am sorry I did not know you better and my heart goes out to all of those who did know you well - and especially my heart goes out to your children and grandchildren, and your sister and father. I hope to get to know you better in heaven.
Lisa
05/18/2021
I was so shocked about this tragedy. I have know Jerry for years, although we were not that close. The last time I saw you was at another funeral. I am so sorry this happened to you and I pray for your family, children, grandchildren and your sister! RIP until we meet again.
Chrissy
05/17/2021
I'll always remember the last time I saw - You turned and shot that big ass grin at me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Much love always.
Rosalind Freeman (Roz)
05/14/2021
I'm really lost for words, So Sad ! Was very Shocked to hear of this Tragedy.. I met his dad and mom back in the 70's we became close friends. As we parted ways after awhile. I remember Jerry Grant as a typical young boy. adventurous and ornery. As I came back into the family a little later. I was Very Proud of him to see he had found God. He never lost that Charm and the ornery side of him. He truly did have a kind Heart. As I know how hard it is here for the Love ones and Friends and Myself. I know his Love ones up above, are Rejoicing !! May you Rest in Peace Young Man. When God measures a man, He puts the tape around the Heart instead of the Head. Samuel 16:7
Kennedy Luncsford
05/14/2021
Words cant even begin to express the pain we feel to have lost you guys. You were there for us in a split second at any given time regardless of the situation and I will forever be grateful for you and everything youve done for me and all of us. We all love you so much and just know that god had bigger plans for you than being with us, Ill never understand why but thats okay no one does❤We all love and miss you more than anything
Kevin & Kim Miille
05/13/2021
We will never forget the bible studies, laughter, tears, & hugs. We lost tract, but God directed us to Jerry at the exact intersection he left this world many years later. Ironic Coincidence? No, it was a Christ ordered incident & we will be forever thankful. He brought all his kids (& their moms), his mom, dad, sister (& her fam), Aunt Lorna, cousin Ryan (who became an evangelist), & too many cousins & friends to count. He was also known for his jail ministry. Anamosa hated to lose him because of all the lives he was able to reach. We will never forget the life changing effect he had on us all. He was truly a tender hearted brother & friend.
💔🙏🏽💞💝🙌🏽
Kim
05/11/2021
Jerry you are a good friend you helped me when nobody else would and I thank you for that gonna miss you pal
RIP
Janel Burke (Nell
05/10/2021
Woo Woo & Boo Boo together again 💔😒 You know how much I loved about you & you know when we were young, I really couldn't have cared less about you just cuz you were Brother & you thought you were in charge even then. Lol. it was an unexpected surprise, not only how dear of friends we became, but the ease with which it happened. You've been a phone call away for so long, for anything I may have needed or wanted. Thank you for that. I bet your neighborhood is real bored & quiet & not looking forward to missing your crazy ass shenanigans,. You've been about my only motivation for so long, you've talked me "down from the ledge" & detoured me from acting out of sadness or anger etc, knowing I'd regret it later.
There's lots of motorcycles around, but I knew when it was the rumble I'd been waiting for. To see your smiling face when you looked at me, the way "you owned the place" when you were here. Fixing stuff, bringing things you knew I needed or wanted or mentioned in passing. You rarely forgot anything & paid much more attention than you let on. You entertained me with your stories and, your love of music. You made me laugh,, you made me mad, you let me cry. Ah, but sleep. If Jerry couldn't sleep, nobody else needed to be! Ha! I can't believe you're gone and your big contagious smile won't brighten any more of my days. I'm eternally grateful to have had you in my life & knowing we'll be together again one of these days is what keeps me going and makes my heart happy. Give everyone our love & Fly high, JG. I love you XOXO
Darcy Cero Kriens
05/10/2021
I had know Jerry since elementary school at Horace Mann. He was a genuine person who will be so missed. Such a tragedy. My condolences to the family and prayers for his sister's recovery.
Donna Rogers
05/09/2021
Very good guy lots of memories in high school with this guy. So sorry for the family's loss. So sad to see this
Nikki Beery
05/09/2021
Woo was a good friend that I could trust and rely on. There are so many memories of him and each of them are filled will lots of laughter. He was special to me and he will be missed greatly. I was blessed to have known him and i am thankful for his friendship. Thank you, Jerry for keeping my grandmas Bible safe for all those years. I love you my friend fly with the angels.
Tracey Bernholtz
05/08/2021
So blessed for the many great memories that I have from growing up with you & your family. I will treasure them always. R.i.p. my friend
Lisa Schooler
05/08/2021
Jerry was like family to my ex-fiance. He was his dad's neighbor. I remember seeing him outside in his yard quite often. He was always so sweet to me. I can't believe he's gone. I know you're up there with Joe now. Fly high with the angels Jerry. Prayers to the family. Especially the kids. May he RIP.