Jerry Hume

1938 - 2023

Jerry Hume
August 31, 1938 - January 23, 2023
William Jaquelin Hume "Jerry" - husband, father, grandfather, brother, best friend, world traveler, avid fisherman, incredible human and much more - passed away suddenly on January 23rd at the age of 84 with his family by his side. He leaves a legacy of countless adventures, laughter, unbounded curiosity, search for knowledge, and a sense of intense gratitude which he wove into every activity, interaction and discussion. His seemingly never ending generosity, whether of his time and attention, or through his philanthropic endeavors, leaves an everlasting impact on those he now leaves behind.
Born in San Francisco on August 31, 1938 to Jack and Betty Hume, Jerry attended Town School for Boys, Millbrook School, Yale, Harvard Business School and served as an officer in the US Navy right after he married the love of his life, Patti, to whom he was devoted to for over 60 years. Throughout his life Jerry followed four core values which he passed on to all those with whom he interacted and now give a view into how he lived:
Health: He was known throughout the Presidio for his 2-3 hour daily walks he would take by himself or with friends and family. Wearing a fly fisherman's hat and sunglasses, green patagonia vest, yellow shirt and beige pants, and holding two walking sticks, you could never miss him as he approached you. Offering a wave or hello, he always made others feel seen, and brought smiles (or curious looks due to his outfit and 6'4 frame) to those with which he crossed paths.
Family: Jerry would always comment that his biggest accomplishment in his life, of which there were many, was his family. Be it giving "free advice", fly fishing with grandsons, traveling the world with his children, wife and friends, or to his famous popovers which he would make on Sundays to the culinary delight of whoever was lucky enough to eat them…he adored, and lived for, every moment.
Work: Jerry joined Basic American Foods in 1967. He served in many roles over the years at the company, ultimately joining the board in 1980. He had a deep passion for the business, a commitment to its founding values, and, most importantly, an abiding appreciation for everyone with which he had the good fortune to work.
Community: Jerry served as president of the Jaquelin Hume Foundation, was a board member of The Heritage Foundation, a founding trustee of University High School, and a trustee emeritus of the board of the California Academy of Sciences, where he also served as the Chairman of the Board. Jerry also had a passion for education reform serving on the California State Board of Education and the National Assessment Governing Board, Chair of the Foundation for Teaching Economics and Board Member of EdChoice.
Jerry didn't tell us how to live; he lived and let us watch him do it. He is survived by his wife, Patti, his children: Liz (Jay Jacobs), Lucy (Nick Koukopoulos), J. George (Roxane Schlumberger), 6 grandsons: Oliver, Theo, Thayer, Will, Alexander and James, his brother George H. Hume and sisters Carol Tolan and Patsy Highberg. ""How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.""
In lieu of flowers, Jerry's family has requested that people consider supporting organizations that were important parts of Jerry's life and legacy. Remembering Jerry Hume at the The California Academy of Sciences: https://give.calacademy.org/give/462554/#!/donation/checkout
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Supporting the Conservancy's work in the Presidio of San Francisco):
https://www.parksconservancy.org/donate/tributes-memorial-gifts