Colonel Jerry Milton Magoulas

MAGOULAS, Colonel Jerry Milton (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, passed away on August 17, 2021, in Richmond, Virginia, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alkiviades Socrates Magoulas and Antiopi Fabiatos Magoulas, both of Charleston, South Carolina. Jerry was 81 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Collette, whom he met in Athens, Greece and married in 1970 in Basil, Switzerland. Jerry is also survived by his two wonderful children, son, Christopher Magoulas; and daughter, Jennifer Magoulas Campbell (son-in-law, Jonathan Campbell); as well as three beautiful grandchildren, Kenley and Reid Campbell of Richmond, Virginia and Nico Magoulas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jerry was born on the island of Kefalonia, Greece in 1939. He was raised by his mother during the German occupation of Kefalonia during WWII and immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1949. Jerry and his family settled in Charleston, South Carolina, where he lived until 1962 before being commissioned as a 2nd LT. in the U.S. Air Force. Jerry attended The Citadel, where he was a member of the Summerall Guards, a Distinguished Military Graduate, photography editor of The SPHINX and a member of N company and the 4th battalion staff. Jerry served in the Air Force for 26 years and retired in 1988. He served tours in Washington, D.C. with the Air Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency. In 1973, he was selected by Lt. Gen Allison, U.S.A.F., to serve on the U.S. Defense Staff negotiating the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks with the Soviet Union. Jerry also held many intelligence assignments in Thailand, Okinawa, Greece, Germany and South Korea. He served with distinction and was awarded nine Commendation and Meritorious Service Medals, as well as the Defense Superior Service Medal. During his military career, Jerry also attended several military-related schools, and he earned a master's degree from Central Michigan University.

As a second career, Jerry worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for another 10 years, attaining the rank of Senior Executive, Level 4. His assignments included that of Chief, Global Analysis responsible for DIA's efforts in such diverse areas as counterterrorism, counter drugs, support to military operations, arms control and nonproliferation. During Operation Just Cause in Panama, Jerry was selected to lead a U.S. interagency team with representatives from Department of Justice, FBI and the National Intelligence Community in the exploitation of documents that eventually led to the conviction of President Noriega. In 1993, Jerry was selected to be the Deputy Director, National Military Collection Center and in 1995, the Deputy Director and day-to-day manager of the Defense Human Intelligence Service responsible for defense intelligence collection from human sources throughout the world. For his effort and exemplary leadership, Jerry was awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal by the National Intelligence Community.

Upon retirement from government service, Jerry and Collette moved to Seabrook Island, South Carolina, where he enjoyed rounds of golf with his friends and frequent walks on the beach. He spent a wonderful 20 years at Seabrook and made some lasting friendships that have endured through the years. Jerry and Collette moved to Richmond, Virginia in 2018 to spend more time with their wonderful children and grandchildren and enjoy their exploits on the soccer fields. His good humor, quick wit and willingness to take on all challenges will be greatly missed.

Burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Fisher House Foundation and Homes for Our Troops.