Capt. Jerome "Jerry" M. Duran (USMC) passed away Thursday, Jan.18, 2018 at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, CA with his family at his side. Jerry was born in Greybull, WY on Oct. 31, 1942 to the late Francisco and Clotilde Duran. A beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 52-years Sylvia B. Duran, daughters Vivian (deceased), Monica, and Cynthia; brother Sam Duran; sisters Linda Rivas, MaryAnn Garcia, Martha Duran Perry; grand-children Mario, Nikol, Enrique, and Rebecca. Jerry was a big-hearted, giving man who saw the world differently. He was the first to volunteer to help out in any way, always eager to give. He was also a proud Marine, and was honorably discharged after 21-years of service. He lived and breathed the Marine Corps motto 'Semper Fidelis', signing his e-mails proudly this way. He was a loyal, and dedicated servant to his country, serving as a part of the Diplomatic corps in Bolivia and Brazil early in his military career. He was commended for meritorious service for going above and beyond the ordinary call of duty for his intelligence and courage during his time in Brazil, and was one of Robert Kennedy's body guards in1965 during Mr. Kennedy's South American tour. Jerry served his country proudly in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, experiencing over 400 hours of combat. His career as an Electronics Warfare and Communication Specialist took him and his family to posts in Germany, Spain and North Carolina. He received the following recognition for his service: After he left the Marine Corps, Jerry pursued an entrepreneurial career in business in La Paz, Bolivia working for the U.S. Embassy and in the ex-pat community; he held many positions with the Mayor's office in La Paz, Bolivia. After returning to the U.S. in the early 90's Jerry worked as the Business Services Officer for the Long Beach Conservation Corps, was a Civil Contractor with U.S. Customs, held senior leadership positions at the Urban Conservation Corps and Charter School San Diego, and served as the Director for the Recycling Program at Coronado in San Diego. He was persistent, and tenacious in continuously improving himself, leaving us with his incredible work ethic and passion for reading. Burial: Celebration of his life: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the San Diego Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Urban Corps of San Diego.