Jerry Curtis Magee's Obituary
Jerry Curtis Magee
February 2nd 1960- June 16th 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry Curtis Magee on June 16th 2025 in Sonoma County after a brave battle with neuroendocrine/carcinoid cancer.
Jerry was born in Oakland, CA; He moved to Sonoma County (Town of Monte Rio) in his elementary school years. He graduated from EL Molino High School in Forestville, and attended Santa Rosa J.C.
One summer on Monte Rio Beach, Jerry met the love of his life. A few years later he moved back to the bay area and they were married at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, CA.
He began his career working for various contractors throughout the bay area refineries, and soon worked his way up to be an account manager. He was well respected in the industry and left a lasting impression on his colleagues. He retired in 2015 from the Valero/Benicia Refinery. His professional success was matched by his passion for family, friends, neighbors and the great outdoor adventures he cherished.
He had a deep love for the ocean and received his certification for Scuba Diving in Monterey, CA in 1993. He enjoyed diving in both Mexico and Hawaii, though when asked his favorite spot to dive his answer would always be Mendocino. Mendocino held a special place in his heart. Countless memories were created and filled with abalone diving, abalone festivals, and fishing – these activities brought him immense joy and a connection to nature. Jerry was also known for his love of music – his taste in music was always changing and evolving; he appreciated all genre’s. But a few of his favorite bands included Collective Soul, The Cars, Tom Petty and most recently, Amyl and The Sniffers. Aside from music, Jerry had a talent of creating smoked salmon, a varietal of beef jerky and of course his famous trays of Christmas cookies and fudge.
One of Jerry’s most treasured memories was walking his beautiful daughter Jennifer down the aisle, a moment that truly captured his love and devotion to his family. This moment also marked a 10 year milestone with his cancer journey.
After Jerry’s cancer diagnosis in 2011, he became a member and board member of the NorCal CarciNET Community. He actively participated in the Oakland Running Festival to bring awareness to this cancer and offered support to other members through their cancer treatment journeys. Even on his tougher days, Jerry remained positive and resilient and continued to have hope. He was an inspiration to all.
Jerry is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Jennifer (Magee) Shreve, his son-in-law Andrew Shreve, his mother Carol Banda, Stepfather Ray Banda, brother Robert (Bobby) Magee, sister-in-law Susan Magee, and sister-in-law Suzanne Pryor. Jerry is also survived by numerous cousins, extended family, and many dear friends and neighbors.
Jerry’s kindness touched the lives of all who knew him and he will always be remembered for his kind heart and generous spirit.
A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on August 9th 11:00 am at The Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA.
We will host a lunch following the service at Scotts in Jack London Square
Please RSVP for the lunch to https://[email protected] or https://[email protected]
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to https://norcalcarcinet.org an organization dedicated to patient advocacy and raising awareness for rare cancers in the medical community.
Jerry’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, and he will forever be loved and missed.
“FISH ON”
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