
1949-2023
Jerry Wayne Putnam, born April 25, 1949, of Jones, OK passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 29, 2023 with his wife, Susan by his side after an unwavering battle with cancer. Jerry was a kind and gentle soul with a warm heart who deeply cared about others. His loving nature was always on display when it came to animals in need, like their dogs, (“Patsy” Cline & Johnny “Cash”), cat, (“Boney” James) and small herd of loved, but unruly goats. All their pets have always been named after musicians.
Jerry earned his BA from Western Illinois University and his Juris Doctor Degree from Oklahoma City University, School of Law. He used his professional credentials in his practice at Putnam & Company, PLLC working with school districts, and various government agencies. Jerry’s business card read, “CPA/Attorney/Musician (not always in that order).” Jerry had a passion for music and was a very accomplished musician. He played at numerous venues around the OKC area as well as touring and recording with “his people & dear friends.” One of his favorite venues was St. Ann’s Senior Living Center, as he truly loved his audience and the time they spent together. Jerry and Susan have also been active supporters of OU Football and Wrestling and could be found at stadiums and arenas wherever OU events were taking place.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 40 years and best friend, Susan Mignon Colston whom he married on April 23, 1982, Brother-in-law Kim Jack Colston, Sister, Jayne (Putnam) Burritt /husband Jim, Sister-in-law, LaDonna Putnam. Additionally, Jerry had a host of nieces and nephews now living in New York (Andrea), Florida (David & Ryan/wife Cara) Tennessee (Patrick & Adam/wife Kim) and Indiana (Lee Putnam). He was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Virginia Putnam of Burlington, IA, and his brothers Gary and Jim, also of Burlington, IA.
Jerry asked that in lieu of a service or flowers, that his friends simply remember him with a smile, good thoughts, and a tune. Memorials can be sent in his memory to either: The Blue Door Music Venue, 2805 N. McKinley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 or Free to Live Animal Sanctuary at 9150 S. Western Avenue, Guthrie, OK 73044.
Jerry was an incredibly talented musician, a brilliant CPA/lawyer, and just an all around wonderful man. I’m so glad he married into Susan’s Walton family (and mine). We’ll miss him dearly.
Jerry was truly a gentle soul, as Susan said. He was a good friend and “other brother” to his wrestling buds. Jerry will be forever in our hearts.
Jerry shined so bright. My day always improved when Jerry came around. Whether at one of his gigs, a wrestling event, or just out for lunch; he always brightened the atmosphere. The world won’t be the same without Jerry but it is certainly better because of Jerry
Jerry was one of my oldest, dearest and most loyal friends, and words simply cannot express how much I will miss him. We met in 1982 when he (and his dear wife, Susan) were enrolled in the very first class I taught at Oscar Rose Junior College in Midwest City. For more than 40 years, Jerry, Susan and I became very close, and I enjoyed being a part of their lives. Jerry was my confidant, my mentor, and my brother. He stood beside me and helped me through some of the most turbulent times in my life. We also shared our most joyous occasions, as well. Yet no matter how often he was there for me time and time again, he had the unique ability to make me feel as though he was the one who was benefiting from our friendship.
Jerry was by far one of the kindest souls I have ever known. He loved animals! Dogs, cats… and yes, even an entire herd of “rescue” goats! Jerry loved them all, and they all loved Jerry.
He was a master at being the mild-mannered, quiet, successful CPA by day, while turning in to the enthusiastic, spotlight-seeking, on-stage “pop star” at night. The scope and reach of Jerry W. Putnam’s impact in both distinct areas of his life is staggering. It wasn’t uncommon for Jerry to ask for my help in evaluating the applicability and appropriateness of a new computer system purchased by a non=profit organization, followed by me attending one of his performances at a local dinner club later in the evening.
I had the best time attending church every Sunday morning with Susan while Jerry was playing keyboards on stage; traveling with the couple to tiny Oklahoma towns I had never heard of for a rowdy New Year’s Eve bash starring Jerry’s band; swinging by his office to pick up a bounty of Sterzing’s Potato Chips (available only from Jerry’s hometown of Burlington, Iowa); stopping by the Downtown Festival of the Arts to watch him perform on stage; or having lunch with Jerry at a new Mexican restaurant in town where my friend’s “reliable and trustworthy” instincts had him order an obligatory plate of cheese enchiladas—every time!
Thank you, Susan, for sharing Jerry with me and so many others. I’m the one who is so blessed to have loved and been loved by Jerry Wayne Putnam these past 40+ years. He left us far too soon, and I thank God for bringing us together in the first place. I am such a better person today because of this unassuming, modest man and the enormous impact he had on my life. I’m devastated by this loss, of course, and I will deeply miss this kind man from Iowa until the day I see him again in Heaven.