Jerry White serves with The Navigators as President Emeritus and Chairman of the U.S. Board of Directors.
Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, and received a commission in the U.S. Air Force where he served in many capacities, including an assignment as a mission controller at Cape Kennedy during the height of the American space program. He received a master’s degree in Astronautics from The Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Astronautics from Purdue University. After 13-½ years of active duty, Jerry retired in 1973 with the rank of general; he spent another 24 years in the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1997 as a major general. Jerry was twice awarded the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedom Foundation, as well as the Legion of Merit Medal and Defense Service Medal.
Jerry was introduced to The Navigators as a student at the University of Washington and he maintained close contact with the organization throughout his military career. He began the organization’s ministries at the Air Force Academy and Purdue University, and subsequently served in several Regional Director roles. He accepted the position of Executive Director in 1983 and International President in 1986, where he served until 2005.
In addition to co-authoring a nationally recognized textbook on astrodynamics, Jerry has co-authored with his wife, Mary, a number of books on practical (but no less complex!) topics such as work, ethics, and relationships. His most recent books include Rules to Live By (NavPress, 2010), The Joseph Road(2009), Making Peace with Reality: Ordering Your Life In A Chaotic World(2002) and Dangers Men Face (1997).
Jerry is also a nationally competitive handball player, licensed commercial pilot and an active member of his local church. Jerry and Mary White live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.