Jerry Gist

Jerry Gist is an American politician who served as the 34th Mayor of Jackson, Tennessee, from 2007 to 2019. Though Jackson's municipal elections are nonpartisan, Gist identified as an Independent.

Early life and education Gist was born and raised in Scottsboro, Alabama. His father worked in local government, and his brother, Roy Gist, served in the Alabama legislature. Gist graduated from Scottsboro High School in 1960 and attended Jacksonville State University for one year before working at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

He later served about two years in the U.S. Army, spending much of that time stationed in Germany. During his tenure, Jackson also redeveloped the former Lambuth University campus for community and educational use.

Personal life Gist is married to his childhood sweetheart, Liz Barnes Gist. They have two children and several grandchildren.