Jay Banks Shelden, 1959 – 2023
After a three year struggle against liver cancer, Jay Shelden died on February 11.
Jay Banks Shelden was born February 17, 1959 to Angier Jay Shelden and Helena Evelyn (McCauley) Shelden. Jay attended Helena schools, graduating from Helena High in 1978. After high school, he attended Montana State University for two years before returning to Helena. He started working full-time for the Helena YMCA while attending Carroll College part-time.
In November 1985 Jay began working for the Helena School District, first at Capital High, then Bryant, and finally Central-Linc. In 1988 Jay graduated from Carroll with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He retired from the school district in June 2017. In 2018 Jay began working at Carroll College until his health worsened, retiring again in 2022.
Jay was a man of deep faith and participated in the ministries of his church and in the Walk to Emmaus for several years.
Jay loved reading, history, doing Sudoku puzzles, and projects on his old house. He never visited his parents or sister without his tool box, so he could work on projects they were unable to complete. He also served as treasurer of the Helena YMCA Service Club for almost 30 years until his health worsened.
Jay is survived by his sister Lucinda of Helena, his aunt Kathryn Layne of Missoula, numerous cousins including Mary Murphy-Kellis of Superior, MT and many lifelong friends.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 S. Oakes, Helena, MT 59601.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24 at 3:00 pm, at Plymouth with a reception and inurnment to follow.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 PM
Friday February 24, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oaks
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Service
Friday February 24, 2023
In the Church Burial Niche
Helena, Motnana 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday February 24, 2023
Social Hall at Plymouth Congregational Church
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 PM
Friday February 24, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oaks
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Service
Friday February 24, 2023
In the Church Burial Niche
Helena, Motnana 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday February 24, 2023
Social Hall at Plymouth Congregational Church
Helena, Montana 59601
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Tom Reilly says
Jay was a great person in all the ways that matter,- polite, kind, and helpful. He put people immediately at ease when with them. I met/knew him through St. Paul’s and always appreciated seeing him. A great guy…..
Tom Naegele says
Jay was a kind, gentle and Christian man who always comforted me as we discussed Our faith and daily concerns. Jay had strong convictions and cared deeply about his GOD, family and his vocation. R.I.P. Jay, good & Faith friend. I miss you already and was blessed to have and be mentored by you in my life. 🙏
Kathy Crawford says
So very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Always remember him as being very nice, polite, shy person. Condolences to his family.
Carolyn K Pelletier says
So sorry to read of Jay’s passing. We used to spend time with the entire Shelden family growing up. Many hours were spent at Lake Helena in the summer time swimming and picnic lunches. They lived across the street from our Aunt and Uncle so we would often visit their home when we visited our family. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Elly Driggers says
What a remarkable man Jay was. He worked with me at Central school and I would ask him to come and talk with my kindergarten students. He knew just how to engage them, bringing his backpack vacuum cleaner and allowing them to take turns with it. Every year on his birthday he would make a pineapple upside down cake to share with the staff.
He will truly be missed, as a friend, a colleague and a great baker! My thoughts are with the family as you go through this tough time.
Robin Kevin Layne says
Jay, my 1st cousin. We only had a short time when we were really more than cousins of the same age. We had one year at MSU where we were very close and hung out a lot. Now he is with Angels. Bye, Jay.
Debby Brackman says
I worked with Jay at Capital High School, and he was always kind and helpful. He was a genuinely good person, and will certainly be missed by those who knew him.
RIP, Jay.
Brad Belke says
Jay was my friend. We worked many Walk weekends together, he was a hard worker, considerate, fun and a fine Christian man.
Bill Wells says
Nancy and I met Jay through our mutual friend John Hicks. We all did fun projects with the Y’s Mens club and the YMCA. I just really liked Jay. He was honest, sincere and fun to work with and be around on projects. He worked hard. We liked seeing him at breakfast. We changed oil in the YMCA vans and enjoyed each other’s company. Our old home in Helena still has the beautiful wild yellow roses that we got from Jays yard. Nancy and I moved to Touchmark and then to Eagle, Idaho so haven’t seen Jay recently but think about him often. What a wonderful addition to heaven.
Clifford Huff says
I consider Jay a good friend. We worked at the school district and also with the union we were in. I was a trustee for the union and we audited the books three years in a row. He was very intelligent. He also lived in the same neighborhood as I and he would walk by my home and we would always visit.
Heidi H says
Jay was such a light when I would study late at night at Simperman Hall at Carroll College. He was always kind and we always chatted for a few minutes whenever I would study and see him. He is an incredible human and he will be missed.
Mark and Jill Van Alstyne says
Jay was a kind man who was so loyal to God and to Plymouth Church. We will miss you.