A native of Daly City, Jerry attended Westmoor High School in Daly City and College of San Mateo before joining the U.S. Army. Upon honorable discharge, Jerry joined the San Francisco Police Department, where he has been a specialist with the motorcycle unit for 28 years.
Jerry and his wife, Felicia, raised their adult sons, Sean and T.J., in Half Moon Bay; both boys are graduates of Half Moon Bay High. They have one granddaughter, Harlee. Jerry has been involved in youth and adult sports in HMB for 20 years. He was elected to the City Council in 1993 in his first bid for elective office.