Story Photos
 This 1981 Ford 150 pickup was a great deal, and owner Jerry Shepard of Castle Rock decided to gift it to his grandson, Jordan Pulaski
of Kelso. (Photo by Brenda Blevins McCorkle / The Daily News)
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People and their wheels: Jerry Shepard and Jordan Pulaski - 1981 F150
Friday, September 26, 2008 10:16 PM PDT
By Brenda Blevins McCorkle
Printable version
E-mail this articleBackground: Jerry Shepard was born and raised in West Kelso. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1950. After serving in the military, he used the G.I. Bill to acquire two degrees at Lewis & Clark College in Portland. He and his wife, Arlene, returned to Cowlitz County after Jerry retired as a teacher in Skamania County. Jordan Pulaski, who is the son of Alicia Shepard of Kelso, is a 15-year-old Kelso High School student and is Jerry’s grandson.
The wheels: A 1981 Ford pickup Jerry gave Jordan a few months ago.
Although Jerry is not what he would call mechanically inclined, his lifelong hobby has been buying and trading vehicles — more than 80 so far. In addition — with seven children, nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter — Jerry also helps family members buy their cars and trucks.
In April 2005, he spotted the ‘81 Ford 150 1/2 ton pickup in two-tone cream and brown for sale near his home in Castle Rock. The owner inherited the truck and placed a for sale sign on it just 10 minutes before Jerry spotted it.
“What luck!” Jerry said.
Work in store: Although the truck was leaking oil, Jerry felt the price was fair and bought the vehicle.
“The Ford had all original equipment including a small 302 V-8 and automatic transmission,” he said.
He and Arlene planned to use the truck to haul landscaping to their new Castle Rock home. They also decided to give the truck to Jordan, who was 12 at the time.
Jerry took the truck to Xtreme Auto/Off Road for an engine overhaul and to service the transmission, which stopped the oil leaks. Always Available Anywhere LLS of Castle Rock replaced the brakes and brake lines, lubed and oiled the vehicle and also completed a thorough safety check.
“Having a standard carburetor, the truck is easy to service for inexperienced owners,” Jerry noted. “It’s a good place to gain first-car experience.”
After his grandson enrolled in driver training, Jerry gave the truck to Jordan’s mother. Jordan has completed his training and has a learning permit. Next year he will take the driving test.
Jordan said he was thrilled to know the truck would one day be his.
“I was pretty surprised,” he said. “He’d told me about the truck’s history. I’m happy about it.”
That makes his granddad plenty pleased.
“I remember 1948 when my mother purchased my first car, a 1936 Plymouth four-door for $210,” Jerry said. “How proud and excited I seemed at age 16. To give Jordan this experience gives me much pleasure.”
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