Jerry was born and raised in Roanoke and attended Roanoke city public schools.  It was in a shorthand class at Jefferson High School in 1959 that he met the love of his life, Julida Jane Clifton. After courting for several years, they were married in June 1962.  Jerry’s first job was as a billing clerk at General Motor Lines, a small family-owned trucking company (not connected to Jerry’s family in any way). He worked for General for 26 years moving up through the ranks to Executive Vice President. The company went out of business in 1985 but Jerry continued his transportation related career at Moore’s Lumber and Building Supplies and RR Donnelley, finally retiring in late 2006. 

Jerry and Julida had two children, Rebecca born in 1964 and David born in 1968.  They currently have 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Both Jerry and Julida consider church and their relationship with the Lord to be an integral and all important aspect of their lives. Though not specifically educated in finance, Jerry enjoys being church treasurer. He understands the challenges and responsibilities of being part of the leadership team and rejoices when he sees people come to a better understand of and a closer relationship with the Lord through the sound preaching of the Word and the loving fellowship of Christ’s church.