Jay Memorial Trust
Your bright future is our
mission
Essex Community High School, and Sidney Community Schools.
About JMT
The George Jay Drug Company, founded in 1888 originated in Shenandoah, Iowa. Founder George Jay, operated the pharmacy from 1888 until his death in 1938. His son, George S. Jay, returned as manager in 1937 and became manager/owner until his death in 1951. When his wife, Grace A. Jay, passed away in 1961, the Jay Memorial Trust was created according to the wishes of her and her late husband. The Trust was established in 1962 as an educational trust fund to help worthy students obtain a higher education through low-interest loans.
Success Stories
Check back soon for the Jay Memorial Trust latest student
success story!
Craig Harris
Appointed to Jay Memorial Trust May 1998
Education: Graduate of Iowa State University, B.S in Agriculture Business 1968, M.S. in Agriculture Economics 1977.
Occupation: Semi-retired. Self-employed as a real estate appraiser. I spent 40+ years in the real estate brokerage, farm management and appraisal business. I served on the Iowa Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board 1993 to 1999. I served as a pilot in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1977.
Family: Married my wife, Kathy, in 1969. Kathy has her B.S. and M.S. from Iowa State University. She served on the Shenandoah School District Board of Education from 1979 to 1985. She taught at Iowa Western Community College for 30+ years. Our daughter, Dr. Shannon Harris M.D., is a 1991 graduate of Shenandoah High School and lives in St. Paul, MN. Our son, Dr. Chad Harris Ed. D., is a 1997 graduate of Shenandoah High School and lives in Kansas City, MO. Both of our kids were helped through college by Jay Memorial Trust loans.
Education has always been important to our family. I want to encourage students to continue their education. One way I can do that is by being involved as a trustee of the Jay Memorial Trust.
Nancy K. Maher
Appointed to Jay Memorial Trust July 2021
Education: Graduate of Shenandoah High School, Associate in Arts & Sciences degree IWCC, Bachelor degrees in Personnel Management, Psychology and Masters Business Administration(MBA) NWMSU.
Occupation: Retired. Previously owner/operator of three downtown retail businesses in Shenandoah. Appointed by Governor Branstad to serve on the IDOT Commission, 2017-2021. Member of KMAland ownership group
Family: Significant other, Gregg Connell, (graduate ISU) Director of Economic Development , Shenandoah. Two sons, Shenandoah High School graduates, both utilized Jay Memorial Trust loans to continue their formal education. Todd Maher and wife Lori of Colorado Springs, CO (graduates NWMSU), Nick Maher and wife Amy of Lincoln, NE (graduates PSU and UNL). Grandchildren Jake, Quinn, Zoe and Mya.
As a person who started college later in life (20 years after high school graduation), I believe: “no matter your age or place in life it is never too late to continue your education”.
Dean Adkins
Appointed to Jay Memorial Trust in October of 2026
Education: Graduate of Iowa State University, B.A. in Speech Communications and Broadcast Journalism 1986
Occupation: Provide senior citizen help and support in the local area. Previously worked for many years in a broadcasting career with KMA radio. Also enjoyed time spent in the 90’s on stage performing shows in musical theater at various venues across the country with my wife, Kris.
Family: My wife, Kris, and I have been married since 1991. She is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and is employed with Bank Iowa. Our three children, Mikayla, Claire and Sophia, are graduates of Shenandoah High School and have appreciated receiving the financial benefits of student loans from the Jay Memorial Trust as they have pursued their various degrees in recent years. Mikayla and her husband, Trent, live in Urbandale with their baby daughter, June Joyce. Claire and her husband, Anthony, reside in Johnston. Sophia is in pursuit of a Theater degree at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Kris and I greatly enjoy spending time with our children and of course, our beautiful granddaughter!
The Jay Memorial Trust has been helping students make their career dreams come true for 64 amazing years. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that truly cares about the futures of our children and continues to play an integral role in supporting them into what we hope are lives of great happiness and prosperity.