Jerome Frank Katzman

Jerry Katzman, was born on April 21, 1937, in Los Angeles, California. Raised by his parents, Sam and Hortense Katzman, he developed a love of movies and entertainment from an early age. Their deep involvement with the film industry instilled in him a lifelong passion for the world of entertainment. Jerry grew up with his older sister, Ruth. They shared a close bond throughout their childhood, and her love and guidance were an important part of his early life. He graduated from Hawthorne Elementary and Beverly Hills High School, UC Berkeley and UCLA Law School.

He met Carol Sinn at Berkeley when she was 18 years old and he was 20. After a first date at the Shadows Restaurant at Coit Tower San Francisco, he hesitated to ask her out again. It seems she didn't kiss him goodnight, but with a little push from a friend, he relented. Soon the proposal followed 30,000 feet in the sky when Jerry casually suggested to Carol that she "make a list". Off they went to begin a life together as Carol and Jerry, Jerry and Carol, always.

Carol and Jerry traveled the world together with family and friends, and they never missed an opportunity to celebrate. They loved hosting parties, many given at creative venues. They renewed their vows for their 40th anniversary at The Elvis Presley Chapel in Las Vegas, celebrated Jerry's 50th at his very own JFK Palm Desert Classic golf tournament, and reminisced at Jerry's 70th at their Rock Around the Clock party at Sony Studios. Last year, Carol and Jerry celebrated 65 years together with family and friends. 

After a brief stint as an attorney, Jerry went to work with his father contributing to multiple feature films, including Elvis Presley's Kissin Cousins and Harum Scarum, Roy Orbison's Fastest Guitar Alive, and Peter Noone's Hold On! In the 1960's and early 1970's, he returned to law and went to work in Business Affairs at the William Morris Agency. When the company asked, he became a TV agent and later head of Worldwide Television. Jerry also served as President of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society during this time. He combined his legal knowledge and his Entertainment Experience to successfully grow the idea of a Television Packaging - where one Agency puts the important elements of a TV show together before selling it to a Network. Jerry successfully packaged The Cosby Show, Roseanne, Murphy Brown, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and many other well known series. Jerry had a successful run as President and later Vice-Chairman of the William Morris Agency.

After retiring from WMA, he became a professor at the UCLA Film School where he mentored his students just as he had younger agents at William Morris. He was a great listener and a beloved confidant to so many people who knew him. The seeds of those relationships continue to bear fruit in the lives and careers of countless people he inspired. 

Jerry loved his friends and maintained friendships spanning decades from elementary school and college through his professional and retirement years. Some of Jerry's favorite things included traveling, golf, music, theatre, and the Dodgers (for sure!) movies, and Cappuccino ice cream. But by far his proudest productions were his three children Jeff (Joanna Girard), Jon (Zukhra Imer) and Kari (Jim Kramer), and later their children, Jackie (Nick Rekenthaler), William, Neil, Josh, Jenna, Roland, and Audrey. He had the joy of meeting his great granddaughter, Naomi.

Jerry truly loved being a Dad, listened and followed his kids' every move, checked in on them regularly and was happiest when he could hear their voices and see them in person. Becoming Papa was the greatest title Jerry earned in his lifetime. He cherished every moment with his grandkids, watching each of them grow, some from birth to adulthood, others still in their early years. 

Jerry is also survived by his sister in law Marji Davisson (Roger Davisson), Niece Julie Davisson Liegl (Jeremy) and their children, and Nephew Ross Davisson (Abby) and their children, Niece Rebecca Sperling (Deb Little), Nephew Alan Sperling (Brandy), Cousin David Islander (Beth) from Chicago and their children. 

Our family wishes to thank Judy, Gary, Jose and The Roze Room (Harry) for their loving care and support. 

Jerry was a generous supporter of Cedars Sinai, the Jewish Federation, UCLA Neurology, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Maple Center and Vista Del Mar.

Jerry was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was admired by so many as a mentor. He was a fearless leader, firm and decisive in his actions, who faced challenging decisions with great thoughtfulness. He had the grit to take on the difficult circumstances that inevitably transpire over a lifetime through a resilience rooted in his desire to celebrate every meaningful moment. Jerry had an amazing life and he fought Parkinson's with dignity and grace for so many years. 

Most of all, he was our beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, and Best Friend. 

In Jerry's memory, please consider supporting a charity of your choice or one of the following:

The Jewish Federation, Los Angeles - https://www.jewishla.org/

Cedars Sinai Board of Governors - https://www.cedars-sinai.org/giving/ways-to-give/board-of-governors.html

UCLA Parkinson's Center - Attention Dr. Jeff Bronstein/Jessica Vrazilek - https://giving.ucla.edu/Parkinson'sDiseaseResearch

Jerry's funeral service will be livestreamed by Hillside Memorial Park and can be viewed using the following link: https://hillsidememorial.livecontrol.tv/bdacef31?pwd=SE1QUTEyMDI2IQ%3D%3D