Jack A. LeRoy, 86, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Monday, May 15, 2023 at Gila Regional Medical Center. He was born February 17, 1937 in Owasso, Michigan to Paul A. LeRoy and Mary Ellis LeRoy.
Jack was a lover of sports. He grew up playing baseball, where he excelled. Out of high school, he was recruited to play baseball for the Detroit Tigers. Instead, he started a family and followed his dream of becoming an educator. Jack attended Arizona State University, where he received his Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate Degrees in education. He taught for 34 years; mainly in elementary, but also taught education classes at Indiana University Kokomo (IUK), Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Florida, and Western University in Silver City, New Mexico. He was a highly respected educator. He was a recipient of the Golden Apple Award and also received Professor of the Year from IUK. Below are quotes from his former students:
“The impact he had on my young life, and countless others, cannot be overstated. He is the archetype of what an educator should be. An amazing man to be sure.”
“He really was such an amazing teacher and just “got” kids—I don’t know how else to explain it, but he connected in a way that other adults and teachers couldn’t.”
In 1996, Jack and Catherine welcomed their granddaughters Kristyne and Kayla into their home with open arms. Together, they made the decision to raise their precious granddaughters. Although it was challenging, it was never a burden. Jack always said, “It was worth it. I wouldn’t change a minute.”
He is survived by his loving wife Catherine LeRoy of the family home; one son, Kraig LeRoy of Scottsdale, AZ; three daughters, Kimberly Crutcher of Scottsdale, AZ; Kelly LeRoy Hart and husband Paul of Tucson, AZ; Debbie Wollam and husband Paul of St. Johns, AZ; six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Humbert of St Petersburg, FL; Trudy Jodway and husband Mike of Perry, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents.
No service will be held per family’s request. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolenes, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.