Raised in a large family back in Michigan, Jerry developed a strong work ethic early in life. He soon knew he wanted to be a cowboy, and at 22 years of age, he began roping calves under the tutelage of Gerald Kummer.
He enjoyed success as a calf roper, qualifying twice for the Mountain States Circuit Finals. An excellent horseman, Jerry trains his own horses and has four of the horses he trained competed on by NFR cowboys.
Married in 1992, Jerry and his wife, Andrea, responded to a strong calling from God and began full time ministry in 1997. Their ministry took them to rodeos in Cheyenne, WY, Dodge City, KS, the New Mexico State Fair, the Mountain States Circuit Finals, and the NFR in Las Vegas, NV.
They have ministered at various rodeo Bible camps, Cowboy Churches, and even at the men's prison in Madras, OR three different times. Cowboy Connection Ministry is a logical, natural merging of Jerry's love of rodeo with his and Andrea's faith in God.