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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry Patterson, a valued public servant, lawyer, educator, and steadfast advocate for the community. Jerry passed away on November 8, 2024, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a tireless champion for education, civic engagement, and the well-being of his community, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of public service that spanned decades.
Jerry was born on October 25, 1934, and spent much of his life dedicated to public service in various capacities. He was a long-time resident of Trustee Area 2 in the City of Fountain Valley, where his contributions to local governance and education made a lasting impact. His career was defined by his unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all, especially in California’s community colleges.
Board President Lorraine Prinsky said of Trustee Patterson, “His leadership and vision shaped not only the communities he served but the lives of the people who had the honor to know him. Jerry’s legacy is one of dedication, service, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.”
Jerry was first elected to the Board of Trustees in December 1996, where he served with distinction for over 27 years. His leadership on the Board was instrumental in advancing the goals of the District and advocating for students’ needs. He held numerous key leadership positions, including serving as President, Vice President, and Clerk of the Board on multiple occasions. His work on the Board’s Legislative Affairs Committee was particularly notable, as he utilized his extensive knowledge and connections to support initiatives that benefitted students and the District alike.
His leadership in the public sector extended beyond the Coast District. Jerry served as the former United States Congressman for five terms from 1975 to 1985 and as the Mayor of Santa Ana from 1973 to 1975, roles that further reflected his deep commitment to civic duty and public service.
Beyond his political and legal career, Jerry was an educator. He taught as an Adjunct Professor at both California State University, Long Beach, and the University of California, Irvine. His dedication to education was recognized by the California Teachers Association, who honored him with the Friend of Education Award in 1985.
In 2012, Jerry’s environmental advocacy was also celebrated when he received the Outstanding Public Service in Support of the Environment award from the Sierra Club. His work demonstrated his belief in the interconnectedness of all things-education, governance, the environment, and social justice-and his lifelong pursuit of equity for all people.
As a member of the Governance Committee of the Association of Community College Trustees, as well as the Board of Directors for both the California Community College Trustees and the Institute for Local Government, Jerry continued his work to ensure that all students had access to quality education and a fair shot at success.
Jerry was married to Linda Moulton-Patterson, a former Mayor of Huntington Beach, for 37 years, with whom he shared a lifelong passion for civic leadership. Together, they made a significant impact on the community, advocating for a better future for all.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda, his children Jane, Julie, Wendy, and Patrick, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jerry’s memory to the Golden West College Scholarship program or CareCHOICES Hospice Care.
Services are scheduled for 11 am on Saturday, November 23 at the same church where Linda and Jerry were married:
Community United Methodist Church
6652 Heil Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
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CONTACT: Julie Clevenger
Director, Chancellor Office Operations and Governmental Affairs
(714) 438-4732 | jclevenger@cccd.edu
ABOUT THE COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
The Coast Community College District is located in Orange County and is among the largest districts in the United States. The District’s three colleges – Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College – provide traditional. degree and transfer opportunities, career and technical training, basic skills, English as a Second Language, and other community programs. Thanks to the Measure M community bond funding approved by voters in 2012, the Coast Colleges are in the midst of a $698 million revitalization of educational and student support infrastructure.
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