Jedd James (JJ) McClatchy
April 17, 1942 - August 2, 2022
Sacramento, California - Jedd James (JJ) McClatchy, great, great grandson of Sacramento Bee founder James McClatchy, died on August 2, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Hunter) McClatchy; his son, Reid McClatchy; his step-daughter, Katharine Weiss; his step-son, Richard Kuchinski; and four step-grandchildren.
He was the CEO for McClatchy Management Co for over 50 years. He also was an adjunct professor in the College of Business Administration, Sacramento State University; taught courses for the Executive Master of Business Administration at Sacramento State University; and was an adjunct professor for various business courses for Los Rios Community College, primarily at Folsom Lake College. He was an advisor to the President of California Northstate University.
He held a Bachelor's Degree from San Jose State University where he played football and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, a Master's Degree from Stanford University, a Law Degree from McGeorge School of Law, and a Juris Doctor from City University of Los Angeles.
He was a proud former Marine. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was granted the Distinguished Eagle Award. He was an avid sailor who was part of the crew that delivered the Beruna sailing vessel from Fiji to San Francisco. He was a studio drummer playing with several professional bands. He also used his drumming skills to play in many Scottish Bag Pipe Bands for over 50 years.
He was a member of the Sutter Club, the Bohemian Club, the Corinthian Yacht Club, and the Grandfathers Club.
He served as board Chair for the Los Rios Community College Foundation, the Golden Empire Council of the Boys Scouts of America, and the Gates Recovery Foundation, and served on the boards of Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE), the American Red Cross, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, LEED, National Women's Health Initiative, among many other boards. He also served on an Advisory Committee for the Little Hoover Commission. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from San Jose State University in 2008.
There will be a funeral mass for him at 10 am on Saturday, September 10, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 660 Florin Rd, Sacramento. A private interment will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercy Foundation in honor of the excellent care that he received while hospitalized prior to his death or Los Rios Community College Foundation in honor of his commitment to young people. Arrangements entrusted to W.F. Gormley & Sons.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jedd McClatchy

13 Entries

Fritz Thommas Sr

July 31, 2025

I was a student of his in 2004. He and I talked airplanes during breaks. He was fearless.

Sandy Maier

January 28, 2024

I am saddened to learn of JJ's passing. I took as many of his classes as possible. He was an inspiration to me and I learned a great deal from him. I too looked his name up as I wanted to see if he was still on staff at Sac City. I wanted to share with him that I am running for the State Senate in Arkansas where I retired. I guess he knows that now. Thank you JJ for all that you gave to so many. Your wisdom and inspiration will be sorely missed.

Jacob Cohen

December 17, 2023

One great guy. My wife and I took a class under his tutelage and he also evaluated a business opportunity which he advised against and saved us from much stress. I loved his sense of humor and approachability. He explained finances in a way that non-finance people could understand. I haven´t seen you in years but you always came to mind.

DAVE D. MILLER

August 26, 2023

Surprised to learn of this sad news, of an old neighbour young playmate. I lived across street from him in Sierra Oakes house. We liked to listen to old LP records, like The Wayward Wind and Tennessee Waltz on his wind-up phonograph. Partly due to this neighbours father, Sac. BEE, I was given a big honor for my High School science project. He was a part of my early life. We were born same year, but he beat me to open the GOLDEN gates, above.

Matthew Strader

May 15, 2023

JJ was one of my absolute favorite teachers at Sac City. I took every class he taught. Even though that was twenty years ago, he has remained an inspiration for me for his wisdom and insight. I just searched his name and found that he had passed. I wanted to let you all know how much he counted for me personally.

Marianne Martin

September 13, 2022

So very sorry to hear about this man passing

Ed Smith

August 28, 2022

Liz and Family.
We in Monterey are so sorry to learn of JJ's passing. I know this is a huge loss for you and so many. JJ was loved and appreciated in so many ways. Personally, I will miss our rich and deep conversations on the visits to Monterey. His humor and poking fun will be very much missed. He was a special man, and we all are sad to say goodbye. We know God already has him serving and working on many important matters. Blessings to you and the entire McClatchy family.

Wally Clark

August 20, 2022

We will miss you my friend......Grandpa J.J.

Jerry Bach

August 19, 2022

Liz- We pray that God will give you peace and comfort during this time of the passing of Jedd. God bless you and your family.

Beth Ling Usher

August 19, 2022

I´m so sorry to hear of Jed´s passing. Jedd was such a dear friend to my parents, Bob and Lois. His positive spirit and appetite for fun was a gift.
Beth Usher

Amy Bahm

August 15, 2022

JJ- I am going to miss our fantastic conversation with a little business mixed into it. When you called I always smiled knowing I was going to have a great call! Little did I know that you were an Eagle Scout and drummer!

I am going to miss the phone calls and smiles you created!

Your Insurance Agent and friend!
Amy

Shelly M Blanchard

August 15, 2022

Jedd and my father, Bob Ling, were great friends and familiar figures around Rancho Cordova in the 1980s and 1990s. I benefitted from that wonderful friendship, inheriting Jedd as my friend, too. I was a newspaper editor, and he encouraged me, sharing great stories about his own family newspaper legacy. When I was president of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, he stepped in quietly and saved the day, which I deeply appreciated. I shared many lunches at Sunny Lee's, along with many laughs. He was funny and smart, always with a twinkle in his eye. I am so glad I was able to have lunch with him again recently and so sorry to hear he is no longer with us. Thanks for the memories, Jedd! Rest in peace.

Elizabeth McLain-Warren

August 14, 2022

Jedd was an influence and friend to us at Optimum Data Systems, Inc. May his family be comforted in peace and his memory a blessing.

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