Jerry "Pops" Noyes, 66, of Champaign, passed away early Monday morning (February 26, 2018) at Illini Heritage Nursing Home.   Jerry was born October 17, 1951 in Terre Haute, IN.

Jerry is survived by his former wife, Joanne Vician of Champaign;  son, Jesse Noyes of Seattle, WA; mother, Corie (Noyes) Francis and step-father Bobbie Francis of Marshall, IL; father Harold J. Noyes of Paris, IL;  brother, John Noyes (Janeen) of Kingsland, GA;  special cousin Jim (Lynn) Washburn of Taylor Springs, IL;  and cousin Terry (Malissa) Thompson of Palestine, IL.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

Jerry became interested in Spanish in grade school in Marshall, IL where he began his "studies" with a high school teacher friend.  He earned a Bachelor's degree from University of Illinois, Urbana, and a Master's degree from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, both in Spanish.  He later began an Ed.D. program in Higher Education at UI.

That interest led him to his position as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Education at UI from 1979 to 1988.  He met his future wife there, Joanne Vician, who also worked at the College.  He stayed in Champaign for the next 39 years.

Jerry was a talented artist, carpenter, woodworker, avid reader of history, an amateur chef and proud, proud father of his son Jesse.  He made many beautiful toys, toolboxes, picture frames, gifts and furniture for family and friends.   From 1988 until his retirement in 2006 he worked for several construction firms in Champaign-Urbana.  His last job, where he focused on trim carpentry, was with CDR Construction.  He was very proud of his intricate and detailed trim work in many homes across Champaign-Urbana.   Jerry had friends in all walks of life with whom he shared different parts of him.  He was grateful to have known you all.

A public Gathering of Friends of Family will be held Saturday, March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Scholarship Fund of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, mwtca.org , or Victory Junction Gang Camp. victoryjunction.org  Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com