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.