Gerald "Jerry" Joseph McCutchen

Jerry was born on November 28, 1935 in Seattle, Washington to Louise Anna Kross and Joseph Robert McCutchen. Jerry grew up in Seattle, which was his home for the majority of his childhood with his mother Louise, his father Joe, and his 2 Sisters, Louisa & Darlene. Jerry departed this world and went to be with his beautiful wife in Heaven on January 6, 2022 at the age of 86 in La Jolla, CA.

Jerry joined the military at the young age of 19 and served in the Navy for two years. In 1956, Jerry met his beautiful soulmate, Diana Mae Elizabeth Linden, and they married 1 year after their fateful meeting in Palo Alto, CA. Jerry and Diana stayed married until Diana’s untimely death in 2007.

A 50-year resident of the Bay Area, he especially cherished living for many years in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with his children and grandchildren nearby. Jerry and Diana raised three beautiful children, while Jerry worked at IBM for over 30 years. From an early age, and continuing through his life, Jerry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He had a deep love for camping, backpacking, animals, and nature. He passed his love of the outdoors, and especially backpacking onto his children, where fishing and backpacking became a family tradition.

After Retiring, he took up drawing of anything & everything, then he went on to painting. He painted such beautiful artwork, and he became so talented that he entered multiple pieces of his paintings in the Santa Clara Valley Fair & won an award, including an article written about it in the San Jose Mercury News!! His proud family now has his artwork to remember him by forever.

They moved to San Diego, CA in 2005 along with their adult daughter, son-in-law, & grandson where Jerry remained for almost 17 years.

Jerry always had a smile on his face even through his most challenging times in his life. You could always count on him for a very friendly chat that involved many questions from him; a joke about whatever he thought was funny; or just some sound and truthful advice. Jerry made time for everyone especially his children. Whether it was to “taxi” his kids and their friends to the mall, movies, or a friend’s party, he was always willing to make sure they were safe, was present in almost every moment of their lives, provided continuous support and love, loved his precious grandkids & great grandchild, so deeply. Jerry was an approachable, easy-going guy that was always there for everybody. Jerry will be remembered and missed by many for his beautiful smile, his caring eyes, his love of telling jokes, and most importantly his love for his family and nature.

My name is Shelby McCutchen, the eldest granddaughter to Jerry McCutchen. My grandpa was a huge part of my upbringing and helped raise me my entire childhood. He was always active, working, fixing something around the house or cooking his famous burritos. When I remember my grandpa, I have the fondest memories of us playing games, singing and sitting on our bench under the oak tree he had made just for the two of us to have a special place to sit and talk. He always made sure I knew he was there for me and that I was so important to him. He loved his family and his football. On Sundays, growing up there would always be yelling and shouting when the Forty Niners were on. The Forty Niner faithful legacy has been passed down through myself and now to my daughter, Brianna. He was passionate about painting art and Sudoku games. He created such beautiful rock art, which I proudly showcase the special ladybug he made me in my garden.

During one of the last conversations, I had with my grandpa, I asked him if he needed or wanted anything. He replied, “Just your love but I know I already have that”. This is a perfect example of how loving and humble he truly was. I am so grateful to have an abundance of beautiful memories with him that will stick with me until the end of my time. Grandpa, I will always miss you.

XOXO

Shell

Jerry is survived by his oldest son Joseph McCutchen and his youngest daughter Colleen Cravener & son-in-law, Eric Cravener. A very loving Grandpa/Papa to Shelby & Andrew McCutchen, Claire & Peter McCutchen, and Joshua Cravener. A very loving Great Grandpa to Brianna Flores (McCutchen). He was the favorite brother-in-law to Michael Linden, Marianne Linden, and Thomas Linden. Caring & fun loving Uncle to many special nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diana Mae (Linden) McCutchen, his son, Shaun Martin McCutchen, his 2 sisters, & both of his parents.

Jerry will be laid to rest next to his loving wife at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, Location: Crypt: SC Holy Family, Tier: E, Space: 167

Graveside Service will be held privately. Family & Friends have been personally invited.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the MCCUTCHEN family.