David Judd Nutting, also known as "Gampa" and "Big Dave", passed away in his home in Green Valley, AZ, on September 23, 2020, at the age of 89.

David was born in River Forest, IL to Harold and Margaret (Peet) Nutting, on December 26, 1930. He met his wife Phyllis Mason in Winnetka, IL, where their parents worked together at Marshall Fields. They spent 71 years together and were married in IL on August 8, 1953. They raised their daughter Elizabeth in Milwaukee and Illinois, who married Michael Leach of Carmel, CA.

David always had a love for inventing and tinkering, taking apart and putting back together the family toaster, boat motor (that wouldn't go back together, because he took it apart when it was hot), and creating a submarine out of aluminum and glue, at the age of 8. David went on to become a designer, engineer, inventor, entrepreneur and author. After graduating from Pratt Institute School of Design, David served two years as a 1st Lt. in the Army Corps of Engineers. From there he joined the design firm Brooks Stevens Associates, and became involved in the design of Evinrude Outboard Motors, 3M products, Enstrom Helicopters, and even designed the first SUV, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

David established, Nutting Industries, and created a series of coin operated amusement games. Pioneering the world of arcade amusement rooms in malls, 22 Red Baron game rooms were established throughout the country. In 1970 NI became the R&D consultants to Bally/Midway Mfg, where they created the first microprocessor pinball and video game systems. Some of the more famous games they produced were Gunfight, Seawolf, Ms. Pacman, Wizard of Wor, Gorf, Tron and Baby Pac Man. In his spare time David studied quantum physics and in 2005 wrote a book on the subject, "Language of Nature".

A lover of aviation, cars, and machines, David built and flew helicopters, commuted by airplane (because of a license revocation due to excessive speeds in a Ferrari), and would show up frequently with a "surprise" for Phyllis- a car, jewelry frozen in a block of ice and plans for a pool. While living in Ridgway, CO for 19 years, David enjoyed spending time in the mountains snowmobiling, riding dirtbikes and taking his family and friends on Jeep excursions through steep terrain and then enjoying a picnic by a mountain river. For the last 16 years David and Phyllis have lived in Green Valley, where David continued to tinker and invent in his garage and write books. He always had a project in the works.

David was a quiet stalwart and loving presence, who always enjoyed a good prank and gin martini. We love you dearly and will miss you. Until eternity!

David is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Lisa and son-in-law Mike, grandchildren David and Annie, their spouses, and five great-grand-children. A funeral service will be held online for family and friends at a time and date to be determined.