Jerry Robert Starr was born May 20th, 1950 in Los Angeles, California to Mary and Al Starr.

Jerry was raised in a devout Christian household, and became president of the Youth for Christ Club at Marshall High School. He attended school with many entertainer’s children which influenced his world view at an early age.

Jerry started his career with Bank of America as a courier and worked his way up for 15 years before starting at Apple Computer in the early 80’s. At Apple, he worked in technical marketing and traveled the world, gaining terrific life experience, exposure to cultures and connections with many people.

After his 12- year stint at Apple, he attended school to become a Sommelier, where he had the distinction of passing the certification on the first try. Jerry was very talented as he had a profoundly wise palette. Jerry was not an elitist, being involved with wines from all over the world, yet he maintained a penchant for the Santa Cruz appellation.

Someone once asked him “What is your favorite wine?”

Without hesitation, Jerry said “The wine you are drinking.”

Jerry practiced his tradecraft with tremendous talent and skill, enough to be invited to the White House, the private events of celebrities, Silicon Valley dignitaries, and winemaker’s dinners, eventually becoming a sought-after judge in wine tasting events all over.

Jerry was affiliated with Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association for the last ten years of his career, an opportunity that brought him fulfillment in that he was intimately involved in the finest wines and came to know the top vintners in the region.

His voice was a beautiful instrument. Jerry sang tenor in choirs throughout his long life, bringing joy to countless people.

Jerry – kind, generous, loving. Gentle and grinning. Never judgmental, accepting life on life’s terms. He had an easy-going grace and was always soft-spoken. Jerry enlivened any room he entered.

Jerry met the love of his life, Sue Meachen, through a mutual friend and had an amazing journey together for more than ten years.

The last two and a half years of Jerry’s life would have challenged anyone, but few would have the grace and dignity to bear the burdens of his health condition with such resolve. In fact Jerry never, ever complained.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Mary Starr and is survived by his beloved Sue.

Services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola on April 23rd at 11 a.m.

For planning purposes, please rsvp to Sue Starr (suemthecook@gmail.com) if you plan to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jerry’s funding site to help defray the costs of his long-term care and funeral. 

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