Jack Cody Greeley

 

Jack Cody Greeley, a longtime resident of Greeley, Colorado, led a life full of passion, healing, and creativity. As a practicing chiropractor, he utilized his skills to help countless patients achieve relief from pain and discomfort. Beyond his professional career, he was a lover of nature, a dedicated learner, and a cherished family man. His journey from education to chiropractic care and his deep love for photography left a lasting legacy.

Early Life and a Love for Nature

Born on August 8, 1947, in Sterling, Colorado, he was the only child of Jerry and Ruth Cody. Growing up, he spent considerable time with his parents, especially enjoying walks and drives with his father. These outings nurtured Jack's love for the outdoors and wildlife, instilling a deep appreciation for nature. His father's companionship and their shared experiences shaped his lifelong passion for exploring the natural world. His mother's cinnamon knots became a fond memory of his childhood, reminding him of the warmth of home.

A Passion for Education

His love for learning was apparent from an early age. After graduating from high school, he pursued higher education at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, where he graduated in 1967. He then attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a focus on Special Education in 1969. Immediately after, Jack began teaching while working toward his Master's Degree. Both personal and professional growth marked this period of his life. It was during this time that he met his future wife, an Iranian woman who captured his heart. The couple married in 1975 and spent time in Iran, where he taught English and documented their experiences through photography.

His dedication to learning continued as he completed his Master's Degree in Special Education in 1978. By this time, he had already welcomed his first child, a daughter, into the world, adding another layer of joy to his life.

A Career in Chiropractic Care

Despite his success in education, Jack Cody Greeley felt something was missing. By the late 1970s, after nearly a decade of teaching and pursuing a doctorate in Special Education Administration, He decided to take a bold step in a new direction. In 1983, he enrolled at the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. His transition into chiropractic care marked a pivotal change in his life. He embraced his studies and even incorporated his love for photography into his academic work, writing his thesis on the "Sense of Sight through a Photograph."

He graduated from Palmer College in 1986, proudly noting that he was among the oldest in his class. Soon after, he moved his family back to Colorado, where he opened a private chiropractic practice in Greeley. Here, Jack spent the next chapter of his life helping patients find relief from various ailments, from spinal misalignments to traumas. His empathetic approach and dedication to healing made him a trusted and respected figure in the community.

The Art of Photography

While chiropractic care was his profession, photography was his passion. He spent much of his free time capturing the beauty of nature, wildlife, and landscapes through his camera lens. His approach to photography reflected his thoughtful, patient nature, allowing him to reveal the true essence of his subjects. His work centered on the idea that the best photographs are taken in soft, natural light, which can capture a flower's beauty or a person's character more effectively than in harsh sunlight.

Through his photography, Jack Cody Greeley told stories—stories of the landscapes he cherished and the moments he experienced. His photos were a reflection of his deep connection to the world around him. He work was featured on his website, "The Sense of Sight through a Photograph," where collections like "Aspen," "Cameron Pass," "Crested Butte," "Mediterranean Landscapes," and "Rocky Mountains" showcased his artistic vision.

A Devoted Family Man and Grandfather

His love for his family was at the core of everything he did. He and his wife raised two children, a daughter and a son, both of whom inherited their father's appreciation for nature and learning. He also became a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren. He spent time camping, hunting, and fishing with them, teaching them about the outdoors and photography. One memorable Christmas, he gifted each grandchild a camera, encouraging them to explore the world through their lenses. Watching his grandchildren discover their creativity brought Jack immense joy.

A Life Remembered

He passed away on October 20, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and artistry. His family, friends, and the countless patients he helped remember him fondly. Through his chiropractic practice, he helped heal others, and through his photography, he shared his vision of the world. His dedication to his family and his passion for nature are woven into the stories and images he leaves behind.

Though Jack Cody Greeley is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the scenic photographs he captured and the lives he touched. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us to follow our passions, cherish our families, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.