Starnes graduated from Prattville High School in 1986. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Troy University in 1991 and later obtained a master's degree in justice and public safety from Auburn University in 1996. His educational foundation provided the groundwork for his extensive career in Alabama's criminal justice system.

His professional journey began in 1993 as a correctional officer with the Alabama Department of Corrections, where he served for three years. In 1996, he transitioned to work as an executive security officer at the Governor's Mansion with the Alabama Department of Public Safety. This role positioned him within the state's protective services framework, where executive security officers are responsible for protecting high-ranking state officials.

In 1998, Starnes joined the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles as a probation officer. Over more than two decades with the bureau, he advanced through various positions, eventually being promoted to district manager in 2017, overseeing probation officers in the 19th Circuit and several other counties. His work in this capacity involved supervising individuals on probation and parole, contributing to the state's correctional oversight system.

Parallel to his civilian career, Starnes has maintained an extensive military service record with the Alabama Army National Guard spanning over 28 years. Beginning as a military police specialist in 1994, he progressed through numerous leadership positions, ultimately reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military assignments included roles with the 217th Military Police Company, 231st Military Police Battalion, and various other units within the Alabama National Guard structure.

His most significant military experience came during a deployment to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, where he served as a military police officer with his battalion. During this deployment, while his unit was securing an area after discovering a damaged military vehicle, they came under attack from small arms fire and mortar rounds. Starnes sustained shrapnel wounds to his neck and both legs during this engagement, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart in November 2005.

Starnes entered local politics in 2008 with an unsuccessful campaign for Autauga County Commissioner. He returned to electoral politics in 2012, winning a seat on the Prattville City Council, where he served three terms. His tenure on the council included serving as council president, a position he held until stepping down in November 2022 upon his election to the state legislature.

His transition to state-level politics came in 2022 when he challenged incumbent Republican Will Dismukes for the District 88 House seat. Starnes conducted an extensive grassroots campaign, beginning in July 2021, focusing on door-to-door outreach to constituents. His campaign emphasized bringing integrity and effective representation to the district, ultimately securing victory with approximately 62% of the vote in the Republican primary. With no Democratic opposition in the general election, Starnes assumed office on November 9, 2022.

In the Alabama House of Representatives, Starnes serves on three committees that align with his professional background- the Judiciary Committee, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. His legislative priorities include supporting law enforcement, advocating for military members and veterans, and addressing educational funding challenges in his district. He has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation, including measures related to law enforcement authority, county taxation, and educational programs.

Beyond his professional duties, Starnes has been active in numerous community organizations. He serves on the Prattville YMCA Board of Managers and is a graduate of Autauga County Leadership. His organizational memberships have included the Alabama National Guard Association, where he served as a committee chairman for the Alabama League of Municipalities. He has also been involved with the Prattville Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the Community Corrections Board for Autauga and Elmore counties.

Starnes is married to Dawn Starnes, and together they have three adult children- Ana Grace, who works as a nurse at Children's Hospital in Birmingham; Jack, who was a senior at UAB; and Jett, who was a senior at Troy University. The family attends First United Methodist Church in Prattville, where Jerry serves as an usher and Dawn participates on the hospitality team. His family has been supportive of his political career, with Starnes crediting them as his biggest supporters throughout his campaign and legislative service.

Throughout his career, Starnes has emphasized his commitment to conservative Republican principles and his dedication to serving his community, state, and country through various capacities. His background in law enforcement, military service, and local government has shaped his approach to representing District 88 in the Alabama Legislature, where he continues to advocate for policies supporting public safety, military affairs, and local government interests.