John E. 'Jack' Humphrey

One of Wyoming’s most revered vo-ag teachers and agriculture educators, Jack Humphrey, died March 16th, 2018, from injuries sustained in a golf cart mishap at a golf course near Parker, AZ.

John E, (Jack) Humphrey was born to John and Ruth Humphrey on March 12, 1937, in Emerson, Iowa.  His family moved to the Upper North Platte River valley near Saratoga in the early 1940’s where he attended rural school near Ryan Park and then in Encampment and Saratoga. He went to both Saratoga and Encampment high schools before moving to Exira, Iowa, in 1955 to graduate.

Returning to Wyoming in the summer of 1955 he enrolled at the University of Wyoming, earning a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Manufacturing in 1959.

He and Shirley Reed were married Aug. 9, 1959 in Cheyenne, Wyo.

After working in sales for a few years he decided he would rather be an ag teacher, returning to UW in 1963 where he obtained his teaching certification. Continuing his education he earned a Masters Degree in Agriculture Education from the University of Wyoming in 1964. He joined the Wyoming Air National Guard the same year and served as a loadmaster for 23 years before retiring as a master sergeant.

Jack and his family moved to Albin, Wyo. where he taught vo-ag for nine years. His FFA Chapter won the sweepstakes award at the Wyoming State Fair every year he was their advisor. They also won the outstanding chapter award at the fall state judging contest each year. He was selected the outstanding young ag teacher at the National Association for Agriculture Teachers in 1966.

In 1975 Jack was hired by Laramie County Community College to develop an agriculture program. He taught at the college and coached the livestock judging teams for 20 years before retiring. He and Shirley also began farming east of Cheyenne in 1975 which they continued to do until 2014 when they sold out.

During his nearly 40 years of teaching he educated and inspired hundreds of young people, most of whom still adore and admire him.

He served as a official for the FFA national poultry judging contest for almost 30 years where he was in charge of reasons. For several years he sold Moorman’s Mineral Supplements to ranchers in Laramie County prior to his beloved wife Shirley’s retirement in 1999.

Considered as one of the premier livestock judges in the country, Jack was proud of the fact that he had been invited to judge at every county fair in Wyoming.

Always active in politics Jack served as Laramie County Commissioner for eight years and was chairman for several years. He served on the Wyoming State Fair Advisory Board for many years prior to his retirement.

He and his wife spent fifteen years traveling in their motor home where they visited every state at least once. They also visited most of Canada and all but five states in Mexico in their RV. They also took many space available flights around the world during that time.

Jack thoroughly enjoyed life and people. In addition to his travel he loved to fish, camp and float the Upper North Platte River near Saratoga and Encampment.

A staunch supporter of the University of Wyoming and its Ag. college, Jack was also a life member of the UW Alumni Association, Cowboy Joe Club and Steer of the Year program as well as a long-time season ticket holder. The Humphrey’s tail gate parties in their motor home were classics.

In 2004 they purchased a home in Sun City, AZ where they spent their winters.

Jack is survived by his wife Shirley, son Mike and his wife Rebecca, a daughter Marci Mansfield and her husband Joe, and grandchildren Lauren, Grant and Garrett Humphrey and Brandon Altman and Kassidy (Altman) Washek. He also is survived by an adopted son Norm Altman and his wife Julie.

Because of his love for agriculture and young people the family has established a scholarship fund for people to make donations in his name at Cheyenne State Bank, 101 West 19th Street, Cheyenne WY, 8200l.

A memorial service will be held the weekend of June 24 with time and place to be announced.

Condolences may be sent to Shirley Humphrey at 9635 N. 110th Ave. Sun City, AZ. 85351.