Jelmer was born July 19, 1941 in Cheyenne, WY. He was raised on his family ranch, the SS Ranch in LaGrange, WY and went to school through 12th grade. He helped on the ranch while growing up doing haying, calving, cattle and milking. All the cattle work was done on horses so good horses were a necessity. After graduation from LaGrange he went on to Sheridan Junior College for two years. While at Sheridan College he helped put on the first college rodeo at Sheridan Junior College.
Jelmer got married to Linda and went back to the ranch. He not only worked on the ranch but he was a part-time brand inspector for 10 years and also took in horses to break and train. He also teamed roped for a number of years.
As Jelmer’s two children grew older he got involved in 4-H and Quarter Horse Showing. He helped to build an arena for the kids and adults of the community to use for roping, rodeos and 4-H. He was also a 4-H leader and taught 4-H gymkhana and horsemanship. Jelmer also helped in the Wyoming Quarter Horse Assoc. and helped put on shows at LaGrange. He was appointed on the Goshen County Fair Board for 19 years. When the Board decided to do some facility building he supported the architectural plans and was instrumental in getting funding and supporting of the Rendezvous Center and Indoor Arena. This facility was one of the only kind around at the time and is still one of the nicest in the area.
He would take off for 10 days or so to go to Torrington to help get the fair ready. This was somewhat inconvenient since it would always be haying time, but he was truly dedicated to the kids in Goshen County. After the county fair was State Fair, and the family would load up to go to Douglas. The kids would participate in the events of 4-H and Quarter Horse showing on their “home grown” horses and win big time. Jelmer would participate in the Wyoming Quarter Horse Meetings as well.
During his time on the fair board he was honored twice for his dedication and willingness to volunteer his time. In 2011 he was honored as one of the Magnificent 7 which was 7 cowboys who were honored for their work and time by the Goshen County Fair Board.
Jelmer was quite active with the Wyoming Stockgrowers from the time he was a teenager through adulthood. He was also a LaGrange Volunteer Fireman for 40 years as well as 4-H and Sportsman Club – a volunteer community service club. He also helped get the National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Torrington in 2010 and has since helped organize it each year. He is a Lifetime Member of the American Quarter Horse Association.
After his folks passed away the three brothers sold the ranch in 2006 and went their separate ways. Jelmer bought a smaller ranch north of Torrington and still raises cattle and registered horses. He has been raising registered Quarter Horses and in the Quarter Horse business for 50 years.
Jelmer is known around Torrington as the “free Cowboy for hire”. He is always willing to help anyone who needs it and travels as far south as LaGrange. He is a true Cowboy.