Jerry N. Rutherford, Jr.

Born on January 23, 1943, in Buffalo, New York, Jerry’s early life was shaped by hard work and determination. He attended Bethany College in West Virginia, where he earned degrees in economics and mathematics and was initiated into the Beta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order in 1962.

He later moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, earning his MBA from the University of Chattanooga in 1967 while working full-time at the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1969, Jerry followed his entrepreneurial calling and founded Rutherford & Associates, building a successful firm defined by integrity, reliability, and lasting client relationships.

Jerry’s commitment to service extends well beyond his career. He was actively involved in the Hamilton County Republican Party and, since the 1980s, has dedicated decades to Ruritan, serving in numerous leadership roles, including two terms as president and currently as District Treasurer. His service earned him the Ruritan of the Year Award.

In recent years, Jerry has renewed his commitment to Kappa Alpha Order, playing a key role in establishing the Zeta Upsilon Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As chapter advisor, he also led the way of securing the Zeta Upsilon chapter house, ensuring a lasting foundation for future members. He remains an active alumnus and was inducted into the Richard T. Feller Province Court of Honor in 2021.

At the heart of Jerry’s life is a simple belief: people should help others whenever they can. He shares this life with his wife of 45 years, Betty, whose partnership reflects their shared values of generosity, humility, and community. Jerry’s legacy is defined not only by professional success, but by the many lives he has touched through service, leadership, and his enduring reminder to “keep smiling.”