Jerry “Jake” Linden Negley, born October 14, 1937, in Oakland, California, to John and Eva Negley, died November 14, 2025, in Bonners Ferry. Jake’s loss is deeply felt by his loved ones who need time to heal, so no services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be scheduled for late spring or early summer 2026.
Jake served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve and later drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War.
When his service was over, Jake came home to Oakland and joined the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, eventually becoming a bomb technician. Jake served for 14 years and after helping a fellow retired officer move to Bonners Ferry, he quickly decided this area known as “Blue Heaven” by fellow officers, would become his home.
Jake moved to Bonners Ferry in the early 1980s after being hired by the Bonners Ferry Police Department and served another 20 years, retiring as the Assistant Chief of Police.
Anyone who spent time with Jake has heard his many stories of his time in law enforcement. From working the Patty Hearst and Black Panther Party trials to working the Chowchilla kidnapping and the rioters in Berkeley, protesting the Vietnam War, plus his many stories of his bomb squad service.
Jake is preceded in death by his daughter Kelly Wiggins, his brother John Negley, his parents John and Eva Negley and his nephew Scott Negley.
Jake is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter and son in law Erin and Jerry Kahklen, his son John Negley, his step-daughter Peggy Watson and many beloved grandchildren and great children.
I am so very sorry for your loss Carol! You and Jake had a true love story together.
Oh, I so remember Jake from working with him in the early 8o. Such a special man, i was just thinking of him and wondering if he was still with us. Special thoughts go out to his family and other special friends, God Bless all.