Jerold (Jerry) McPhee

Jerold (Jerry) McPhee, 74, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor, passed away on July 19, 2025 at the Monument Health Skilled Nursing Facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, of causes related to a year-long battle with lung cancer and other health issues. He was born on January 1, 1951 in Logan, Utah to Charles Benjamin McPhee, Jr. and Gladys Jessop McPhee.

In 1969, Jerry graduated from Logan High School. He moved to Salt Lake City, where he joined the National Guard. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at the University of Utah, where he received degrees in history and anthropology with minors in Japanese history and language. He participated in a study aboard program to Japan and remained fluent all his life.  In 1971, he married Terrell Smith. They welcomed their beloved daughter, Krista, in due course. In 1977, he attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he received a Doctorate of Law.

Jerry practiced criminal defense law in the Salt City area for more than 30 years. He was an Administrative Law Judge, and a JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer in the US Army. The Army sent him to many places far and wide, including Washington, D.C., St. Louis, San Francisco, Afghanistan and Germany, to name a few. In Washington, D.C., he was the Legislative Liaison Officer at the Pentagon, serving as a crucial link between the Department of Defense and Congress, facilitating communication on legislative matters. He was working at the Pentagon on 9/11/01, when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. He remembered the massive fire and chaotic scene that it created. He retired as an immigration officer in Salt Lake City. He often said that being an immigration officer was his favorite job. He truly enjoyed helping people become US citizens.

Throughout his life, Jerry enjoyed cooking, traveling, and learning. After he retired from his law practice, he enrolled in the Park City Culinary Institute in Salt Lake City. He impressed friends and family with his gourmet dinners. If you were his friend on Facebook, you saw his beautifully presented dishes, with attention to color, arrangement and garnishments. You could almost taste his meals just by looking at the pictures.

Traveling was of great importance to Jerry. He always talked about his next trip, whether it was to Europe, Mexico, Australia, South America or his next cruise. Domestically, Jerry particularly loved Western National Parks. He enjoyed tasting the local cuisine, drinking their wine and experiencing the history of the area. He encouraged others to see what he saw and would often help facilitate their travels.

The McPhees were a family of “recreational” actors and actresses. Jerry and his siblings participated in school productions, both in high school and college. They had theater in their blood. He enjoyed performing on stage and working behind the scenes with lighting and sound. He worked as a projectionist for cinema photography in the 1970s. He enjoyed live theater productions, as well as symphony and opera.

Friends will remember Jerry for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, both of which were usually served with a heavy side of sarcasm, but most of all he will be remembered for his generosity. If Jerry saw a need in his circle of friends and family, he didn’t hesitate to jump in to lend a hand. He helped many people in his life navigate legal issues, never asking for anything in return.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Terrell McPhee; daughter, Krista (Thomas) Smith; granddaughters, Erin Smith and Kayla Smith; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Gladys; his brother, Norman McPhee; and his sister, Kathleen (Kathy/Kate) McPhee Allen.

The family would like to thank Monument Health Millcreek , Aspire Hospice, and the close friends and family that offered so much support and love to Jerry and his family as we traveled his journey with him. Jerry will never be forgotten. He taught, entertained and inspired everyone around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor on Wednesday, August 6^th from 6:00-8:00 PM and an inurnment will be dedicated at Veterans Memorial Park at Camp Williams on Thursday, August 7^th at 10:00 AM.