Resident of San Jose 

Jerry C. Carpenter passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Jerry was born on August 30, 1952, in Tucson, Arizona, and is survived by his wife EunYoung Noh, his son Conrad, his mother Jo Ann Carpenter, his sister Michele Smith, brother (Norman and wife Karen), and 13 nieces and nephews and their families.

Jerry grew up in Tempe, AZ and Santa Clara, CA where he developed many lifelong friendships. He was a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout rank. While in high school and Boy Scouts, Jerry became very good at Technical Climbing, was on the swim team, and continued to hike and backpack for the rest of his life.

Jerry served in the Navy (1971 to 1977). In the Navy, Jerry was stationed in Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA, Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, CA for training. He was trained as an Electronic Warfare Technician Supervisor.

Jerry served on two ships, the U.S.S. Independence and Guided Missile Carrier U.S.S. Sterett. He traveled extensively while in the Navy, and continued to travel after he was discharged.

He taught English to business men and women in Taipei, Taiwan to improve his Mandarin. In Italy he had an apartment while his ship was in port. Jerry visited Korea to continue his courtship of EunYoung, his fiancé from their time together at the University of Oregon, eloping to the U.S. Embassy. (The marriage was kept secret until the official paper work to bring EunYoung to the United States came through.) Jerry visited Japan to supplement his studies.

After the Navy, Jerry attended San Jose State University (SJSU), where he earned a BA in History (1977-1980).

He then went to University of Oregon and earned aMaster’s degree in Chinese History. Jerry liked working at National Semiconductor until the electronics industries went overseas. He eventually was hired at Lockheed (then Lockheed-Martin).

After retirement he went on to become an artist and to helped host some of his artist community. His success in art was great given that he sold more paintings than Van Gogh ever did.

EunYoung’s thoughts of Jerry: I have been always glad and proud of his high integrity, generosity and liberalism. He may not have been the best of carpenters, but things he built or fixed are found in all corners of this house. Oh, how he loved life!

Thank you toall of his friends for being there in Jerry's life.

Donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Martha’s Kitchen, or the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco or KQED.

Jerry Carpenter’s Memorial will be held at the Three Flames, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on April 19th. The Three Flames is located at 1547 Meridian in San Jose, CA.

(408-269-3133). Jerry wished that everyone would wear a Hawaiian shirt, or other Hawaiian clothing. Have a good time remembering him, and tell funny lies (his words). In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to take a friend to lunch, call a favorite teacher, reconnect with an old acquaintance or raise a beer at a British Pub. Jerry’s friends and family were always the most important part of his life.