Woodrow Harry Jensen

Woodrow Harry Jensen, 78, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a warm light for all who knew him.

Woody was born on Nov. 29, 1944, to Myrtle (Sullivan) Jensen and Harry Jensen in Orange, New Jersey. He was president of his senior class, graduating from Parsippany High School in 1962. Woody went on to earn a degree in physical education from Temple University in 1966. Woody taught physical education and, in his spare time, was a karate student and instructor. In 1971, while working as a karate instructor, Woody met the love of his life: Diane (Young) Jensen. They were married in 1973. Woody furthered his education at the University of Wyoming, graduating with a doctorate in education administration in 1978. Throughout his accomplished life, Woody was known for his strong leadership and mentorship abilities, his spirit for adventure, a witty sense of humor, and his deep love and steadfast loyalty to his friends and family.

Woody, or Dr. J as his students affectionately called him, dedicated 45 years to empowering others through education. His career began as a physical education teacher at Far Brook School in Short Hills, New Jersey. He also served as high school principal at Douglas High School on Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and Sheridan High School in Wyoming. He retired from Billings Public Schools in Montana. In Billings, he was the Director of Secondary Education and Adult Education. Dr. J had a profound impact on many who he mentored. He was hardworking, led by example, and was not afraid to think outside the box for educational reform and progress.

It is difficult to capture Woody’s vibrant life of adventure in words. Woody’s active pursuits were many and diverse. He played baseball, competed collegiately in gymnastics, was a third degree black belt and karate sensei. He was an avid rock climber. Woody climbed Devils Tower at least 10 times, although Vedauwoo outside of Laramie was his stomping grounds. He loved to downhill ski and lifted weights all his life. Woody had a deep love for riding and training horses. In his 60s, when training new horses became a great worry for his wife Diane, she asked him to think about a new hobby. Since he had always had a passion for cars, from his Porsche 356 and his beloved 61 and C7 Corvettes, he decided to join the local chapter of the SCCA and race cars. Needless to say, Diane learned she needed to be more specific next time she asked him to find a retirement hobby.

Anyone would be proud of the long list of accomplishments Woody achieved throughout his life, and yet, if you talked with him, he was most proud of his family and their accomplishments … big or small. Always more humble and selfless than needed, he had incredible faith in his family, the people he worked with and the students and athletes he inspired.

Woody is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diane (Young) Jensen; and his two children, Courtney Niemeyer (Travis) and Nels Jensen (Nicole). Woody was blessed with four grandchildren, Layne Niemeyer, Jensen Niemeyer, Mercer Jensen and Frankie Jensen. He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Myrtle Jensen.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a scholarship fund for adult education students to continue their education in trade school or college. Donations in his name can be sent to the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools or online at efbps.org .