John Jay Vickrey

John Jay Vickrey passed away August 24, 2026, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

John was born April 12, 1946, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Alice Schultz Vickrey, joining a brother, Robert Vickrey. John attended school at Assumption Academy (Chadron NE), Bennett County grade school and high school (Martin SD), and graduated from Chadron State College in 1989 with a double major in math and computer programming.

At 16 John joined the US Navy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and brother. He retired in 1981 after a career in submarines, torpedoes, and teaching electronics. He spent several years relaxing, hunting, fishing, and helping others with miscellaneous projects.

In 1990 John married Elaine Heath Schaffer in Minot ND where he sold real estate. They moved to Sheridan in 1992 where John worked for Sugarland Development for one year. Then he decided to take up golf. That was his passion for many years, playing golf almost every day, participating in tournaments, and traveling to play on courses in other states.

In about 2021, for his birthday John purchased a power assist trike that gave him countless hours of enjoyment, attaching many flags, and riding from one end of town to the other, many days 20 miles or more.

John was preceded by his parents, his brother (Robert), his son (Billy) and his granddaughter (Kira).

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, sons John Vickrey Jr. and William Schaffer, grandchildren Tyler, Savannah, Stephanie, and Nicholas, and great-grandchildren Kaz, Sebastian and EllaMay.

John requested cremation and no service. However, his family wishes to honor him with a gathering of his friends and acquaintances on Thursday, August 27, on the patio of the Kendrick Golf Course between 2:00 and 4:00 with light refreshments.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.