Jack Nutter – A Lifelong Wisconsin Citizen

Nearly 66 years ago, a teenage Jack Nutter shot and killed police officer Harold Pearce of Independence. Nutter was believed by many lawyers as being a sociopath who, by age 14, already had run-ins with law for theft and forgery; at that point he was on parole and killed Pearce while off.

Pearl McInteer carries on his family legacy in Phoenix by walking for groceries and welcoming relatives into her home – still the cornerstone of her clan.

Early Life and Education

Jack Nutter was a dedicated family man, teaching his children the value of kindness towards those less fortunate. With an eye out for those in need, Nutter would provide transportation for these individuals; one case involved providing one hour round trips twice daily so a young man could keep his job and provide for his family.

Nutter grew up in an unstable home and at 14 was arrested for theft and forgery and spent time in juvenile detention. By 18, while out on parole he shot and killed Harold Pearce a police officer; Pearl never spoke about her husband or Nutter again until years afterward.

Professional Career

Jack Nutter is a Wisconsin businessman and politician. He earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and Master of Tax Administration degrees at UW Milwaukee; both degrees specialize in Taxation. Furthermore, Jack is the author of several books related to Wisconsin state taxes as well as regular contributor to Journal of State Taxation.

Nutter began his legal troubles at 14 when he and some friends robbed a store and fled to California in 1956, eventually being sentenced to death but later accepted a plea bargain that led to life imprisonment in Iowa state penitentiary. Here he observed numerous changes made by wardens over time as well as witnessed violent 1981 prison riots which precipitated military-style security crackdowns under new wardens.

Achievement and Honors

Jack Nutter served with the Army Air Forces during World War II, flying 62 combat missions aboard B-24 bombers. For his service, he received the Bronze Star award; later on he became a member of Reading Phillies Hall of Fame as well as winning numerous coaching awards.

Caleb and Mackenzie, Jack’s two sons, are currently both attending Gross Catholic High School as 7th-graders, where they have both earned honor roll status for several years at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Katie Nutter is currently studying biomedical engineering at Union College. A top swimmer for the Dutchwomen, Katie is also vice president of Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society as well as being awarded an Iva E. Patterson music scholarship.

Personal Life

Jack is a family man and photography enthusiast. His first images captured clouds’ beauty through digital medium. Since then he has also enjoyed photographing sports scenes, graduations and nature photos.

Iowa Humanities’ film showed Nutter discussing baseball and softball games held inside prison; he expressed his love and longing for Pearce’s family as well as being overjoyed that he wouldn’t be hanged; finally he spoke of being relieved upon discovering he would live and not be put to death by hanging.

Pearce’s family, however, have suffered quietly through the years without advocating on Nutter’s behalf or publicly appealing for clemency from authorities. McInteer recalled hoping authorities would hang him; but Nutter now stands no resemblance to the teenager who fired shots into a police officer.

Net Worth

Jack Nutter has amassed a net worth of $3 Million. As a charter member of Friends of the Maple River, you’ll often find him picking up trash and clearing brush from along its banks, clearing log jams away to allow others to enjoy floating the river more freely, building 27 Wood Duck nesting boxes on his own time and money, without ever seeking personal recognition for his efforts.

He is a man of compassion, selflessness, generosity and integrity who serves as a great example for others looking to live fulfilling lives. Like throwing a stone into still waters, an individual’s life leaves ripples that affect everyone it touches – whether these ripples be positive or detrimental depends on its quality of living.