A real life helicopter pilot and flight instructor, he flew helicopters in Vietnam and for his Sheriff's Department before setting up a crop-dusting business. It was at this time the producers of Jaws 2 wanted their shark to 'eat' a helicopter, and although they initially thought it absurd to bring to life on the screen, they decided that perhaps it would be believable if it were a small bubble helicopter...This gave Jerry the chance to be offered the part - in his one and only big screen appearance - as the ill-fated helicopter pilot. His own personal helicopter was considered perfect for the type of chopper the producers wanted, and he and his helicopter were both hired to star in the film (though a model was used for the scenes where the shark attacks it, causing it to capsize).Jerry's role is now among the best remembered scenes in the film, and fans have also gotten to see deleted footage of him on the DVD being attacked by the shark underwater following the helicopter capsizing. This scene was deleted due to the producers having to cut the amount of shark attacks to secure an 'A' rating, and this one was chosen because it was originally part of a longer concept that was left on the storyboards.Had it gone ahead as planned, Jerry's character, after the shark rammed his windscreen as you see at the end of the deleted scene, would have been left for dead in the helicopter bubble, now fast filling with water. He then would have attempted to save himself by getting his oxygen mask, only to have to risk his life and escape when he sees the shark going for Marge after she saves Sean.Instead of her being devoured as in the final film, he would have swam up and pulled her away from the shark at the last minute and taken her back to the submerged helicopter and shared his oxygen with her.Their characters would then have last been seen when, after their oxygen runs out, they emerge to the surface with the wreck of the helicopter, and cling on to the pontoon for safety, the sailing party now a good half-mile away.Jerry is now retired, but still likes to give flying lessons!.
