Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Rev. Jerry L. Lucas lived in Des Moines, Iowa but also served in Perry and Fort Dodge. He married Jenevieve Johnson in 1908.

Rev. Lucas had a barbershop in Des Moines by 1909, as he appeared in the Des Moines City Directory listed as Jeremiah L. Lucas. He is referenced as being in Perry on March 9, 1917 as pastor, but it was inferred he travelled from Des Moines. On May 14, 1920 the Iowa State Bystander noted Rev. Lucas was the pastor in Fort Dodge. At the time of his death in 1940, the Des Moines Register noted his ministry in those locales but reported he was serving Shiloh Baptist Church. Rev. Lucas had been part of the groundbreaking for that church at 1317 SE Scott in 1937. It was noted he served in the “ministerial alliance” and the NAACP. He is buried in Glendale Cemetery.