Jerome “Jerry” Mark Yencharis
Jerome “Jerry” Mark Yencharis, 61, passed away on September 23, 2026, in League City, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Carrie Sheffield Yencharis; sister Susan Yencharis Postell; niece Katie Postell DiMichele, husband Chase DiMichele and their daughter Freya Joy DiMichele; stepdaughter Sarah Michelle Smart; stepsons Lee Allen Cravens and Grant Sheffield Cravens; Uncle Len and Aunt Joann Yencharis; and beloved cousins: Liz Yencharis Ayers, Sharon Yencharis, Carolyn Yencharis Cocoran, Amy Yencharis Turner and Gregory Yencharis. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Domonic Yencharis and Barbara Ann Feser.
Jerry’s fascination with space began early, inspired by his father’s work on NASA’s Apollo program. At Schreiner University, he earned his Mathematics degree in 1991 and played on Schreiner’s basketball team, where he became known for his discipline, teamwork, and quiet determination. After college, he continued his love of sports through adult volleyball leagues and found joy in the water as a certified scuba diver.
Jerry devoted 41 years to NASA, beginning in the Space Shuttle Program as a GNC expert before certifying as a Rendezvous, Guidance and Procedures Officer. Working realtime operations in Mission Control, he planned and executed Shuttle rendezvous for 33 docking missions, serving as Lead Rendezvous Officer for multiple flights. His expertise shaped Shuttle
missions and laid the foundation for rendezvous and docking operations with the International Space Station.
As the International Space Station program expanded, Jerry became a certified Visiting Vehicle Operator, guiding the safe arrival and departure of spacecraft from around the world. He served as Lead VVO for 14 missions and strengthened international partnerships and our commercial cargo and crew capabilities through his work as an Ascent Entry Rendezvous Officer. His professionalism, judgment, and collaborative spirit earned deep respect across NASA and its global partners & creating lasting friendships as well.
Jerry also devoted more than a decade to training future flight controllers as a Rendezvous Monitor, crafting realistic simulations and mentoring teams with patience, clarity, and insight. In recent years, he brought his Shuttle and ISS experience to NASA’s Exploration Program, helping shape operations for next-generation spacecraft supporting the Human Landing System and future lunar missions.
Beyond his extraordinary career, Jerry was a devoted husband whose love was unwavering, deep, and unmistakable. At home, he was never happier than when surrounded by his mischievous whippet, Devo — who considered himself the center of the universe — and his two cats, MiMi and Chick-Chick, who ruled the household with equal parts chaos and charm. They adored Jerry, and he adored them right back.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gilruth Convention Center in Houston, Texas, on Friday, October 2nd at 10 a.m.
I worked with Jerry on a Barrios contract bid. Fantastic person.
I was a good friend of his mom, Barb, and admired
Jerry’s support and love of his family. He had an amazing
Intellect and was dedicated to his profession at NASA He will
Be profoundly missed by many. I know he his now reunited with
His Mom and family in heaven. My prayers are with Susan and Katie
And his dear wife.
Absolutely lovely person. He was always quick to help out with advice when asked. He was quite knowledgeable and dedicated to the work he was doing. My condolences to Jerry’s family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Yencharis family. Jerry was a wonderful person. He was the nicest guy ever and was always happy to lend a helping hand. Joe played softball with Jerry for several years. Those were such wonderful memories. We will miss Jerry but will always remember his love, kindness and beautiful soul. We will never forget him.
Donna and Joe Frisbee
Houston, Texas
My nephew Jerry was a very special person to me. He was the conduit for me his uncle on events in Texas. The photos of him and Carrie were a pleasure to view and his texts to me were always trueful. My eight year grandson wants to be an astronaut to continue not just the profession but also the honesty. Yes I miss him and will continue with memories of Jerry’s life
Thank you Uncle Len. We were supposed to be planning that trip for Thanksgiving and I’m incredibly heartbroken that we won’t be there with you and your family 💔
Jerry was an amazing colleague and mentor during our time working together at NASA. He had a wealth of knowledge, always an inspirational demeanor, and was always happy to help train the generation. Many of my colleagues success can be largely attributed to him. I’m still thinking of the Perry’s pork chop we bet on which spacecraft would fly first – I never got to redeem the prize, but next time I have one, I’ll be thinking of you Jerry. My condolences to his family – especially his wife – every stop I had by the office, the framed photo of her shined.
Thank you Nate – that is a very sweet note. I remember Jerry talking about that bet and Perry pork chop! I will love him forever and hold close to my heart the rest of my life ❤️
Jerry was a man I deeply respected and admired. He was the consummate professional in his job, and he was the very best at it. A true gentleman, patient with everyone. I truly enjoyed working with him in both the control room, training room, and on multiple projects. It is a devastating loss, and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Jerry’s family, and our co-workers.