Jerry was the first black quarterback to start for a predominantly white school in the State of Arizona.  He was the star of Marana basketball during its dynasty period.  Jerry attended Western New Mexico University and Cochise College. He was recruited to play both basketball and football at Cal Western University in San Diego, where he graduated with a degree in political science. He was named to the Division II Kodak All-American Team in 1972.

Jerry worked in the banking industry for 25 years, finishing at Bank of America.  Jerry then worked with the non-profit Bayview Community Development Corporation, including serving as its Executive Director, assisting low-income people in owning and renting low-income housing. Jerry is currently the president/CEO of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and a motivational and keynote speaker.