Dr. Thomas Jeltes

Dr. Thomas C. Jeltes (TJ), age 72, of Dade City, Florida, passed away with his family by his side on May 16, 2023. 

He was born to Clara and Simon Jeltes on March 8, 1951, in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Thomas graduated from Lee High School in 1969 and went on to receive his BA from Hope College in 1973 in Holland, MI. Thomas furthered his education and attended Michigan State University, where he received a Master of Elementary Education, Master of Elementary Administration, and a PhD in Administrative Education.

He was an elementary teacher at Freeport Public School in Michigan, an elementary and middle school teacher at Thornapple Kellogg Public Schools in Middleville, MI, the assistant principal at Sparta Public Schools in Sparta, MI, and the middle school principal at Bryon Center Public Schools in Bryon Center, MI. He also was the girls varsity basketball coach, JV boys basketball coach, and JV boys baseball coach during his time at Thornapple Kellogg. One of Tom’s greatest achievements was being named the Administrator of the Year for the state of Michigan.

Some of Tom’s hobbies included attending football and basketball games at The University of Notre Dame, University of South Florida, The University of Florida and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He loved going to amusement parks, playing golf and tennis, reading, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Jane of Dade City; his daughter, Sarah Dee (Jeltes) and her husband, Austin Dee, of Wesley Chapel; grandchildren, Connor and Harper Dee of Wesley Chapel; sister, Marcia DeFrancesco and her husband, Roccy DeFrancesco, of Naples, his sister-in-law, Betty Jeltes of Hudsonville, MI; along with many nieces and nephews, and we can’t forget Angela Mae, his fur baby.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Clara, and his brother, John.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An hour of visitation will be held on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.