Students, teachers, and members of the community are mourning the loss of Jeff Jelskey, a popular teacher at Natrona County High School. The Natrona County School District announced Jelskey’s passing yesterday, saying that the instructor had failed to show for work that morning, and was subsequently checked on.
Oil City reached out to some of Jelskey’s colleagues, students, and former students for remembrances of their friend and mentor.
Lance Madzey, instructor for the NCTV program at NCHS, writes:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I post this. My friend Jeff passed away today. He was one of the best of us if not THE best. He called me ‘Spielberg’ and was always so funny. I laughed every time I saw him. The last time I got in trouble he told me this, ‘Don’t ever give up and don’t ever capitulate.’ I’ll never forget you man. Here is a vid my students produced about him last year.”
We have reposted that video here, with permission. Courtesy of Lance Madzey and NCTV:
Zach Schneider, instructor at NCSD #1:
“A lot of time and attention is spent on those kids at the top of the academic ladder. Many teachers can write off kids who seem different or don’t perform as well on tests. Not Jeff. He was a champion for the underdog because he was one. He was a big man who used his size and intelligence to stick up for the little guys. He gathered misfits around him and showed them that they had a voice and that what they had to say mattered. He was first my teacher and I am very lucky that in my adult life, he became one of my closest friends.”
Allen Lee Barber of Cannon Beach, OR- former Jelskey Student:
“Mr. Jelskey was one of those teachers that took his subject and brought it to life. He made history more than just names and dates for me. He taught me the importance of it. He helped me apply what happened centuries ago to modern times, in the hope that the same mistakes wouldn’t be made. He made an impact on every person he met and he won’t be forgotten.”
Mr. Scott Marietta’s current World Area Studies Class, submitted the following statement as a group:
“Mr. Jelskey was best friends with our teacher, Mr. Marietta, and because of that we were lucky to be in his presence. Almost every class, he would come in to talk with us about world issues, crack jokes, or ask us about what we were going to be talking about that day. He cared about what we were learning, and helped Mr. Marietta in making it fun. The connection he had with students, even ones that weren’t his, showed the passion he had for education. We will miss Mr. Jelskey, and we thank him for the huge impact he had on our educational environment.”
Melanie Kirchmeier Kelly, current instructor at NCSD #1:
“I truly am heart broken and cannot say enough about the impact Jeff Jelskey has had on so many lives, from young to old. When I heard the news, I felt as though I’d lost my brother. He and I met in college (Minot State University in North Dakota) more than 30 years ago, and I always found his greatest character trait was his ability to make us all laugh. And I mean all of us, whether you knew him one minute or decades.
He never seemed to run out of stories or have a witty comeback for the large and small irritations in life, be it politics, education or the family pet. He always had a word of encouragement for any situation, and right now I feel at a loss for finding the right words to encourage anyone regarding his departure from this realm. I can still see him sitting on the front lawn of his house in his boxers with his football buddies as they ate Spaghettios the day of the 1986 MSU homecoming parade. I was the queen that year, and he called out to me, ‘Mel! Hey, it’s the Beaver queen!’ (That is the mascot for Minot State).
To the day he died, he told that story to anyone who would listen, and (un)fortunately, he always had a captive audience when he told a story. Not too long ago he was in my classroom sharing that story with my current students. And he teased me about my “crack baby.” That is what he called my grandson, who makes everyone high with his smile and energy. Jeff saw that smile every time I’d post pictures of little Axton. When he met Axton several months ago, Jeff gave him a Teddy bear that he had received from his grandfather when HE was a small boy. His generous and giving nature always shined through.
His dog was a rescue dog on the brink of death, but he took him in and loved him as his own child. Although I didn’t realize it at the time (we never or rarely ever do), I am and will be forever grateful that I was able to give him one last hug and say goodbye.”
Melissa Hilt-Henry, current instructor at NCSD#1:
“Jeff was the teacher that never gave up on anyone. He had a unique gift when working with at-risk students. He alone empowered countless students to graduate by instilling self-worth and pride. Jeff Jelskey’s presence will forever be missed at NCHS.”
Julie Patterson of Aurora, CO- Former Jelskey Colleague and Student:
“Mr. Jelskey was an incredible educator. He fought for the underdog and was often the motivating factor in the success of his students. Charming and funny, he knew exactly what to say to brighten anyone’s day. Mr. Jelsky was innovative and reflective, most importantly, he was everyone’s friend. I am so proud to have known him and to have worked with such a wonderful man. You will be missed.”