Gary Raymond Jensen, Sr.

Gary Raymond Jensen, Sr., age 83 of Florida, passed away Monday, August 12th surrounded by those who loved him. Gary was a native of Seattle, Washington, born on August 21st, 1940 to the late Betty See Jensen and Jack Raymond Jensen. His love for the outdoors began as a young boy growing up in Seattle, where he spent countless days fishing with his father and exploring. His passion for nature remained steadfast throughout his life and was passed down to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1956, Gary and his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida and he graduated from Landon High School in 1959. Upon graduating from high school, Gary served in the United States Navy on aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La from 1960 until 1964 and his admiration and respect for the U.S. military continued throughout his life. In 1961, he married his high school sweetheart Jo-Anne and they raised two boys, Jack and Gary Jr., and owned and operated car washes in the Jacksonville area for two decades. Throughout the years in Florida, Gary and his family have enjoyed many early sunrises in duck blinds and casting fishing lines in the ocean.

After vacationing as a family for years in Little Switzerland, North Carolina, Jo-Anne and Gary decided to purchase The Switzerland Inn and move to the North Carolina mountains. At the Switzerland Inn, Gary created an enduring legacy that has spanned four decades, multiple generations and impacted the lives of many. A pillar of the community and friend to all, Gary loved introducing new people to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains through his hospitality at the Inn and made everyone he met feel instantly welcomed and comfortable. He was the first person to call if you needed anything fixed and, no matter the issue, he would be there in a matter of minutes. Always the life of the party, Gary’s quick-witted humor, masterful storytelling skills, dance moves, love for his cats and dogs, and fun-loving, mischievous spirit will always be remembered. These traits and countless memories were passed down to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all of those who knew and loved him. He will never be forgotten. 

Surviving are his beloved wife of 63 years Jo-Anne M. Jensen, their two children, Jack Daniel Jensen and wife, Patti, of Spruce Pine, NC and Gary Raymond Jensen, Jr. and his wife, Jackie, of Hutchinson Island, FL; five granddaughters, Lauren (Joseph) Bomar, Jessica (Andrew) Ketner, Jordan (Nathan) Gowan, Lyndsay (Isaac) Edwards and Jaie Jensen; 10 great-grandchildren Ellie, Sawyer and Bo Gowan, Georgia, Annalie and Bates Bomar, Lottie and Frances Ketner and Frankie and Bo Edwards; and many other relatives and friends.

A service to celebrate his life will take place at a later date. Honor and remember Gary by spending time in nature with your friends and family, turning up an Elvis or Bobby Darin song, sneaking a midnight snack, enjoying a drink on the dock, cooking a meal for your family and friends, watching your favorite movies until dawn and lending an ear or a helping hand to those around you. Additional memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s at PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or Duck’s Unlimited at One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.