Jerry Pettis
1916–1975 (age 59)
Politician
Biography
Jerry Pettis brought the values of California's agricultural and aviation communities to the halls of Congress when he began representing his state in 1967, after years of local service and working with growers. He drew on his experience as a licensed pilot and businessman to build bridges between the Inland Empire and federal policy makers.
During his time in the House he remained committed to medical research, including work to improve care for people with diabetes, and to supporting education, transportation, and veterans' organizations before his life was cut short in 1975 when the aircraft carrying him home crashed near Cherry Valley; colleagues remember him as energetic yet steady.