Gerald “Jerry” James Motto

November 3, 1938 – August 2, 2021

Gerald James Motto died of natural causes at his home in San Diego on Monday, August 2, 2021. He was 82 years old.

Jerry was born in New Orleans, where he was surrounded by a large extended family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School and graduated from John McDonogh Senior High School. He received a BA in Speech and Theater Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. He attended Dallas Theological Seminary in preparation for the ministry. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from Azusa Pacific.

After graduating from college, Jerry married Joan Duggan and taught school in Louisiana. With a growing family, Jerry found it financially necessary to leave teaching, and he begin a long and successful career in retail management.

After Jerry’s divorce in the 1970’s, he moved to Dallas. He joined Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), which has a special outreach to the LGBT community. Shortly after, he attended seminary and was ordained as a minister.

Jerry met James Wright, his husband, through the church in 1978. They had a Holy Union on November 10, 1979.

In 1980, Jerry became pastor of the New Orleans MCC. He helped the group to move from meeting in a small apartment to the Unitarian Universalist Church. He also organized the first gay pride parade in the French Quarter.

In 1981, he was called as pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in Cincinnati. Here he formed a strong bond with the Episcopal Church, where worship space was shared. AIDS began to take a big toll on the gay community and Jerry stepped up to become a founding member of Aids Volunteers of Cincinnati. He was an outspoken advocate for gay rights confronting Jerry Falwell and District Attorney Simon Leis. Leis refused to prosecute the parents of Stephanie Riethmiller who was abducted as a young adult and forced into conversion therapy. Episcopal priest, Bishop Bill Black was a tireless advocate of gay rights. He allowed Jerry to co-consecrate at the altar.

In 1985, Jerry began a pastorate at the Good Sheppard Metropolitan Church in Highland, California -a suburb of San Bernardino. He was again instrumental in moving the group from a very small commercial space to a church building. The congregation grew to around 100 people during his time there. He remained active in the community where he conducted an ecumenical AIDS Vigil of Prayer. He was also on the Board of the local AIDS volunteer group.

In 1988, Jerry returned to teaching in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. He taught Opportunity Students for much of his time there. These children have discipline problems and are being given a last chance before expulsion. He was also very active in local, state, and national Teachers unions where he received many awards for his service. He was the LGBT Caucus Banquet Coordinator at the National Education Association National Convention for four years. During this time, it became the largest caucus event of NEA with hundreds of guests attending. He brought in speakers such as NFL football player, Ezra Tualo and Judy Sheppard, mother of Matthew Sheppard.

Jerry retired in 2004. He and Jim traveled the world, visiting over 66 countries. His favorite trip was a safari to Zimbabwe, Namibia, Batswana, and South Africa. He also loved Italy. He loved entertaining and being with friends.

Jim and Jerry lived in the Inland Empire for 25 years. They owned homes in Rialto and Moreno Valley. He was an active member of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rialto and Saint George’s Episcopal Church in Riverside. He served on the vestry for both churches.

In 2010, after Jim retired, they moved to San Diego. They continued their world travels and Jerry became very active at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He served on many committees and was Peoples Warden for the vestry. He was convener of Integrity, and served on several boards, including Refugee Net and Saint Paul Senior Services.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Motto, his mother Nellie Treadway Motto, and his brother Larry Motto.

He is survived by his spouse of 43 years, Jim Wright. He is also survived by his Sister Karol Winningham. He has a son, Jeffrey Motto, and daughter-in-law, Merry Lee LaBruyere Motto. He has a daughter, Julie Root, and a son-in-law, Mark Root. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Brittany Root, Matthew Root and Morgan Root.

Jerry and Jim never let a single day go by without saying, “I love you” to each other. They had many wonderful adventures, great friends and so many blessings through the years. Jerry’s Christian faith was unshakable, and he shared it with countless people throughout his life. People sometimes asked Jerry and Jim what the secret was to have such a lasting relationship. The answer is that they were privileged to be best friends.

Jim would like to thank the many people who visited and cared for Jerry during his illness. Especially his church family at St. Paul’s. A huge thank you also goes to his great caregivers, Briana, Derek, and Mariana. Finally, a special note of gratitude goes to Kaiser Hospice, Yara at Arosa In-Home Services, and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center. These people all made it possible for Jerry’s final days at home to be filled with love and caring.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 11am on Tuesday, August 17th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral (2728 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103). Evening visitation from 4-7pm, Monday, August 16th at Merkley Mitchell Mortuary (3655 Fifth Ave., San Diego CA 92103). Burial at a later date.