Dr. Jeremy Johnstone Spirit of the West Memorial Scholarship Endowment

The Dr. Jeremy Johnston Spirit of the West Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established to help provide quality, affordable education for students who demonstrate financial hardship with preference given to students majoring in history at Northwest College.

Jeremy cherished his childhood in Wyoming, spending time hunting, fishing and hiking with friends and family. He especially treasured his time with his grandparents from whom he developed a love of learning about the past. After Jeremy graduated from the University of Wyoming with his master’s degree, he returned home to Powell to begin a fifteen-year career as a history instructor at Northwest College. There he developed lifelong friendships and inspired countless students. Following his tenure at Northwest, Jeremy began a career at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, first as the Managing Editor of the Papers of William F Cody and then added the job of Curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum. Jeremy loved his job and the people he worked with. He particularly enjoyed opportunities for research and continued learning. Jeremy was always happy to write book reviews for authors that asked and was in the process of publishing his dissertation, Two Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt and William F. Cody.

Jeremy was a very active community member from the local to the national level. Jeremy was a past master mason of Absarokee Lodge #30, and member of the Eagles. He was also a current member of the Park County Historical Society, Pahaska Corral of Westerners, Theodore Roosevelt Association, American Heritage Center, Big Horn Basin Scottish Society, Western History Association, Wyoming Humanities Council, The Cody Heritage Museum Board of Directors, and the Cosmos Club. He was dedicated to all of these worthy organizations and others, a testament to his incredible ability to value many causes, touching the lives of so many.

Those who knew him remember him for his academic accomplishments, but even more so, they remember his sense of humor. His ability to connect with people and make them laugh created a special place for him in hearts all over the world. Jeremy was always ready with a good joke in all situations, no matter how formal or relaxed. He was a storyteller and was able to use his humor and his knowledge to share his love of history.