Jerome Laurence Magill

Jerome Laurence Magill died at home on September 16, 2026, three days after reaching his 96th birthday.

A lifelong resident of Portland, he was born September 13, 1930 to Russell Dewey “Mac” Magill and G. Catherine (Carlsted) Magill. He graduated from Grant High School in 1948 where, according to him, he got A’s in music and C’s in everything else. He attended three different colleges and ultimately earned a B.A. in music performance and an M.A. in Music History from University of Portland with the intent of being a music critic. However, the string bass called him and he became a professional musician and a member of the Portland Musicians Union - Local 99. He began playing with the Portland Symphony in 1957 and continued when it became the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. He retired from the symphony in 1996.

Jerome - or Jerry as he was known in the early days - was a sought after jazz musician, playing with the top big bands and jazz combos in Portland, including Woody Hite, Sidney Porter and George Reinmiller. He remained a devoted fan of local jazz music, especially music from the Great American Songbook. Up until a month before he passed, he was a familiar face in the audience at his favorite venues, Arrivederci Wine & Jazz and Wilfs.

One of his fondest memories is of the time he spent in the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra stationed in Germany from 1955 to 1957. He started in the U.S. Army band on clarinet but soon transferred to the orchestra as a bass player. He wouldn’t hesitate to share stories of the musicians’ hijinks whenever he was asked.

While music was one of his passions, teaching was another. He began his teaching career as an orchestra teacher in the Beaverton School District in 1964, zipping between Whitford Middle School and several elementary schools each day. In 1978, he switched to elementary classroom teaching and spent eight years at Cedar Mill Elementary School. In 1986, he received a science teaching certification and began a part-time position at St. Mary of the Valley teaching middle school science. He retired from teaching in 1996.

After retiring, Jerome redirected his creativity into art and began honing his skills in ceramics, metal work and painting. He converted one of his bedrooms to an art studio where he created continuously. He started with oils, but loved all mediums. He especially enjoyed 3D and multi-media pieces, such as mobiles, masks and ceramic sculptures. He was working on a painting, “Tree by the Ocean”, just days before his passing.

Jerome loved camping and the outdoors. He spent his summers hiking and camping in the Cascades and loved spending time in his canoe (called “Old Bent Bottom” - but that’s another story). He brought his three children and their friends on these adventures, providing treasured memories for all. His kids often think of these summer excursions as one of the highlights of their childhood.

Jerome was a fierce environmentalist, helping to create one of the first recycling programs in the Portland area in the 1970s. He volunteered extensively at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park for over 25 years where he was on their advisory committee and the force behind their annual plant sale fundraiser.

Jerome was most at home in his yard and garden where he worked tirelessly to provide year round beauty. It was both his sanctuary and his battleground because taming nature is not always an easy task! He could be found one moment lovingly tucking a new shrub into the perfect location and the next angrily chasing squirrels from the bird feeders.

Family celebrations were very important to him. Every birthday and holiday were celebrated with good food and good cheer. Laughter around the table was always part of the time together. These are the memories his family will always cherish.

He was a selfless, loving, caring man who touched many lives. All of his partners loved his children and grandchildren as much as their own and welcomed Jerome into their respective families as he welcomed them. He is survived by his children, Brian Magill, Alison Magill, Robin Helm; his loving partner of 18 years, Diane Tennyson; and four grandchildren. His brother, Donald Magill, preceded him in death, as did his wife of 20 years, Lynne Sherley, and his wife of 18 years, Joanne Stout Magill.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Laurelhurst Club, 3721 SE Ankeny St., Portland, Oregon.

Donations may be made to the Oregon Symphony in his name. https://www.orsymphony.org/become-a-donor