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42 Entries
Gail Fretwell-Hugger
May 1, 2024
I was cleaning out an old file of historical papers this week and came across two 8 X 10 black and white photos of Jerry Graham when he visited the little Cupertino museum many years ago. Also in the photos were my mother, the museum director, and 3 other ladies, including myself. Those photos sure brought back some great memories of Jerry's visit. Bay Area Backroads was one of the best programs on local tv. I didn't realize that Jerry & family lived just over the hill in Santa Cruz and that he had passed away in 2013. He and his program are missed.
Bill Emil
September 23, 2013
My thoughts are with Jerry's family from an old fraternity brother of his from I.U.. I remember him well and am sure he will be missed.
David Smith
June 22, 2013
What a nice man! Mild mannered, smooth voice, nice smile, you put a smile on my face whenever we waved or chatted. On TV you seemed like a friend bringing me to the Back Roads of my own California. I bought multiple copies of Rack Roads to give to friends new to the area. Then there was your yell to Mocha when rounding your corner on my daily run. I hadn't seen you in months. I wondered if it was a medical problems.
Farewell assistant cookie baker and neighbor.
Fred Greene
June 7, 2013
After completing a 2 month college internship (SFSU), Jerry hired me at KSAN to produce the morning show. One day he asked that I come to his office "to talk". Instead intimidating me from across the desk, our conversation was made easy as he pulled out a tennis ball so that we could play catch across the room. It was the best and most memorable moment with any manager in my life. He was a warm, sensitive guy who was also a great boss. Not to mention that he also hired the woman who I've now been married to for 33 years!
May 31, 2013
I just heard about jerry's passing. Boy, what lose to community and TV. I will always remember Jerry leaning over and saying to me, "look straight into the camera and smile!" Good Job Jerry!
Patti Vasconcellos
May 10, 2013
Our condolences are being sent to you with love. We are so sorry Catherine. Our sympathies are with you and Lily.
BARRIE NELSON
May 9, 2013
ALL OF US AT CLUB ONE GYM ARE GOING TO MISS JERRY.
Rachel Birns
May 8, 2013
I worked with Jerry on a program for community TV. Jerry interviewed Jewish people from around the SC community who had interesting stories to tell. He did such a great job making his subjects feel relaxed and open up about their lives. The program enjoyed the longevity it did because of his generosity of commitment to help . He was the coolest guy and will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.
Caryn Simn
May 7, 2013
Jerry brought me hours and hours of great entertainment when I lived in the Bay Area and I enjoyed his show. I have the books and feel he has made a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of people in our region, for bringing us closer to the real terrain and real people of our "homeland." See you on the "Backroads" Jerry. Many blessings for healing and heartsease to Catherine in this very sad time.
May 6, 2013
Heartfelt hugs for your loss. Big hugs to Catherine, Lily and the whole family. - Terri Schneider
lily jimenez ( student)
May 6, 2013
I will miss you my fiend and teacher thank you for all your help. god bless you and you family.
lily jimenez
May 6, 2013
I will miss you Mr Jerry thank you so much for been a great teacher and great person god bless you and your family. I will remember you forever R.I.P.
May 4, 2013
.Allan Eisenberg...Sad news
May 4, 2013
So sorry for the loss of Jerry Graham, Very fond memories. Thinking of Catherine, Lily and the whole family.
~Peggy Toole, San Jose, CA
Gisela Soto
May 3, 2013
We all miss Jerry at the Literacy Program (Volunteer Center). Thanks Jerry for all that you did for your student and our program. Our prayers, goes to his family.
Gisela Soto
May 3, 2013
Jerry, we will miss you at the Literacy Program. Thank you for all that you did with your student and our program. Our prayers goes to his family.
Bill Schechner
May 3, 2013
I remember when Jerry came to town in the early 80's to take over KSAN after Tom Donohugh died. He wore ties, pants that matched his coat, and had a haircut. I was working at Channel 9 and was married to Danice Bordett of the KSAN news (along with david mcqueen and larry lee)(i wasn't married to them, they were the rest of the news dept. by then scoop nisker had moved on). it was tough for jerry, but he managed, steered his way around several rebellions, was accused of trying to kill ksan, was praised for saving it from the wolves of metromedia during a very tough time, and lived to talk about all that and emerge sufficiently i none piece to go on to all those years at kron. broadcast history...
Jenny Liotta
May 3, 2013
Anytime Marc and I visited Santa Cruz and also got to see Jerry and Catherine, it was a special treat. What a terrific guy and good friend to my son, Dave.
Mercedes Tondre
May 3, 2013
Sorry for the loss of Jerry Graham. I worked with him during the KSAN years and will always remember his good humor and warmth. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alex Bennett
May 3, 2013
Sad news. Always loved his work.
Michael Phills
May 2, 2013
So sad to hear the news. We played football together and he was always a team player.
Nikki Lastreto
May 2, 2013
Aw Catherine, has it really been 27 years since you and Jerry married and Lily is already 22? My heart is with you sweet sister.
Jerry Graham was the best boss I ever had. Being researcher on Bay Area Backroads was a joy and Jerry was the ringleader supreme. What an infectious smile - thank you Jerry Graham for sharing that smile with so many, Nikki
Janice Brenneman
May 2, 2013
A new journey has just begun
Pam Rorke Levy
May 2, 2013
Jerry brought a wonderful warmth and humor to everything he did. Watching him at work on his TV shows, you could tell he genuinely appreciated people in all their eccentricity, and that came through on camera. I met Jerry when I was first starting out in TV, and it wasn't until much later that I realized how rare it was to have that much fun at work, and still do it well. Jerry knew how to strike that balance.
Janice Brenneman
May 2, 2013
I will always remember Jerry for his warm smile and his kind heart
Suellen Miller
May 2, 2013
I loved Jerry so much, so full of life and such a great person to be with. My thoughts are with Catherine and Lilly now.
May 1, 2013
A dashing guy....a real presence at every gathering....an easy, effortless communicator....a ready smile....a passionate basketball player....a guy that made you feel better by just being in the same room with him....one of a dwindling breed of men with style and a considerable bearing.... Marc Liotta (an admirer and friend)
Mike Kavanaugh
May 1, 2013
I am at a loss for words at the sudden passing of Jerry, an inspiration on many levels. We shared the love of b-ball and I will alwasy remember watchin him play in teh senior basketball circuit. Amazing. I know all his fellow travelers from the late 70s and 80s will be sadden by this loss. My condolences to Catherine and the family. Jerry's laugh and wry humor will be sorely missed.
Rocky Festa
May 1, 2013
Thanks to my fellow Hoosier Jerry. I read an article he wrote back in the early 90's about La Selva Beach. I came down here from SF and never left. He changed my life. Rest in peace friend, happy trails.
Bill Corona, Rick Corona, Sandi Cupi, Jerry Graham
Sandi Cupit
May 1, 2013
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Jerry as an up and coming Producer. He was funny, compassionate and patient – I will always treasure that experience.
Michele Garcia
May 1, 2013
I knew of Jerry from the gym. He always had a smile on his face and was always reading a magazine while on his exercise bike. I had no idea he was "the" Jerry from Bay Area Backroads. I loved that show! I wish I would have known him better and talked to him while we were side by side many of times on our bikes. He sounded like an amazing man and will be missed by many!
Samson Wong
May 1, 2013
I always enjoyed watching Bay Area Backroads every Sunday evening with him showing places that the viewer wouldn't otherwise know. Though I never had the chance to meet him, he had a wonderful personality. He made you believe that each of the places were well worth visiting. My sympathies goes out to his family. RIP, Jerry!
Chris Crutcher
May 1, 2013
I knew you thirty-some-odd years ago but remember you like it was yesterday. Always a class act.
Nick Doukas
May 1, 2013
Enjoyed his company at the dog park with Chicolini
Wondeful wit and a considerate man
Joe Bugna Jr
May 1, 2013
I will miss you my friend. God bless you and your family
Phyllis & Dave Stearns
May 1, 2013
We remember Jerry well from his days back in Binghamton, NY, where his infamous laughing jag during an oil-company-sponsored weather spot got him fired. From there we kept track of him on his way up the media/communications ladder, first in NYC and later in California. He was bright, warm, genuine, charming and funny, and he will always be in our hearts. Our condolences to his family.
David Vandergriff
May 1, 2013
I was Jerry's editor for Bay Area Backroads. Some of the best days I spent at KRON was with Jerry. A real pro, and fun to be with. A wonderful person who I have many fond memories of.
My heart goes out to his family.
Lyn Lauria
May 1, 2013
Jerry made my life joyful... the laughter and fun we shared has never been matched. I will miss his company, dearly.
Michael Kunz
May 1, 2013
I will miss you my friend. I won't miss you showing me up and tourching me on the basketball court every Sunday for the past 22 years!
Gildas Hamel
May 1, 2013
I miss Jerry, his laugh, his kindness, the questions that would go to the heart of the matter---any matter---the basketball lore, the tips on good TV shows and films, the extraordinary memory, the breaking into songs, the courage and modesty, the knowledge of the world, oh I miss him
Rick Lawlor
May 1, 2013
Jerry was a great guy who clearly enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Sending loving thoughts to Catherine and family.
Judi Grunstra
May 1, 2013
Dear Catherine, I was so sad and shocked to learn about Jerry's passing. I served with him on the city Arts Commission and of course know you as well. What can one say? Life is sweet.
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