Ed Jelks

It was my great pleasure to know Ed and learn from him. He was a superb scholar and a true gentleman, always courteous and helpful. He deeply influenced historical archaeology, beginning with his early work at Jamestown with John Cotter. He leaves a very impressive legacy of archaeological research and collaboration and will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.

I remember Ed Jelks as a teacher and real gentleman. Twenty or thirty years ago he lead numerous digs for the McLean County Museum of History. At an 1840s house in Pleasant Hills, Illinois his most attentive student was the wonderful community-minded Harriett Rust. At an 1860s house in Normal, Illinois he shared developed a warm bond with Wilbur Barton whose "free persons" grandparents and great grandparents came to Normal before the Civil War. He pushed me to write and rewrite a short...

RIP to one of the finest professors I had for several classes at ISU. Your willingness to share knowledge, listen and encourage (not to mention your atl-atl demonstration!) made your classes unforgettable.

Ed and Juliet welcomed my wife and I to Illinois State University back in 1986. They hosted us for dinner several times and helped us make the transition to life in Normal. Ed assisted me countless times, reading several of my articles before publication. I served with him on a couple of committees at the university level and always found him to be a righteous ally. I will miss his wonderful counsel and good humor. Louis G. Perez, Professor Emeritus of Japanese History.

My sincere condolences to Ed's family. Ed Jelks was a mentor, colleague, and friend. I offered me a job at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory at UT-Austin doing reservoir salvage archaeology. That started my 60+ career in archaeology, and I owe my beginning of that career path to Ed. He had a great a great dedication to archaeology and a wonderful sense of humor.

One of the giants in Historical Archaeology. He, and his work, will be long remembered.