It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of a middle school staff member who unexpectedly collapsed and died Monday evening. Mr. Royal Wentworth was teaching 8th grade social studies at John Adams Middle School. He spent many years teaching social studies at Roosevelt Middle School before the district transitioned to 5/6 and 7/8 buildings. He was also at one time a middle school football coach, current middle school cross country coach, and many nights during the winter months he refereed basketball. He was admired by students and staff and will be greatly missed.
Funeral arrangements are not yet complete but we will keep you informed as we learn more. Students interested in attending may do so but we ask that they attend with a parent or guardian.
Many of the high school students may have had Mr. Wentworth as a teacher and/or coach over the last couple of years. His passing may affect those who had Mr. Wentworth as a coach/teacher emotionally. Our counselors (who will be located in the JAMS IC) and other staff will be available tomorrow (Tuesday) for any student who may need support or need to talk. Sometimes incidents similar to this lead to past feelings of grief returning. We ask that you keep a close eye on your son/daughter in the near future in case these emotions become present. Please contact us at school (641) 421-4431 if there is anything we can do as a school to help your child. Attached is information related to the grieving process that may be of some assistance.
Funeral arrangements are not yet complete but we will keep you informed as we learn more. Students interested in attending may do so but we ask that they attend with a parent or guardian.
We expect students to follow our normal attendance policy today as we have multiple supports systems that will be in place. The normal routine will most likely help students cope with this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with Mr. Wentworth’s family, friends, students, and community who are affected by his passing. He was an outstanding person who cared deeply about kids.
Sincerely,
T.J. Jumper
Director of Secondary Programs
I remember having Mr.Wentworth. He was such a great teacher. He was like a grandfather. Even when I “graduated” from middle school, he still remembered me and always said “hi.” Im going to miss him very much. God bless him.
I feel fortunate that my children had Mr. Wentworth as a teacher. He was a great teacher and made each student feel valued. My daughter has long since graduated, and was also very saddened by this news. She remembers that even though she was no longer his student, he always took the time to say hi and talk to her.
My prayers are with Mr. Wentworth’s family. May he rest in peace.
Sincerest sympathies to Royal’s family. He was an amazing man, a class act, and a great mentor to many youth athletes and students. His love for youth, teaching, and coaching was incredibly apparent as he has touched many lives. For those of us that were fortunate enough to know Royal, we are truly blessed! God Bless Royal and his loved ones! He will be greatly missed!
I didn’t know Mr. Wentworth personally but I do know his wife and a kinder, more compassionate lady I have never met. Bless his family in this time of sorrow.
Mr. Wentworth was one of a kind! He was an amazing teacher, thoughtful co-worker and just a joy to be around!!! We will miss him deeply at JAMS 8!
God bless Royal and his family members. A great man, excellent role model, and loyal friend.
Royal was a great man and a good friend. I will miss his smiling face everyday. We talked about music all the time. He never lost his passion for music like most of us do as we get older and we talked alot about bands and venues he had visited. God bless his wife, daughters and his whole family.
Mr. Wentworth was a GREAT teacher & role model. He used to teach/coach at Newman. Thank you for the wisdom and respect you taught us. He will be remembered fondly.
I remember Royal coming into Decker Sports years ago when I ran the retail store. He was always kind and great to chat with. Sorrows on his passing.