Remembering Jed Shilling
Jed Shilling
There are individuals who wake us up to the wonders of planet Earth and make us appreciate the special places and moments that we have experienced. It is with a heavy heart that we at The Mountain Institute remember the life of John (Jed) D. Shilling, until recently an active member of our Board and a long-time advocate for mountains and mountain peoples and their role in keeping the planet a healthier and more beautiful space. Jed passed away on May 1, 2019 from ALS, a truly terrible disease that he met with infinite grace, focusing on enjoying every second he had left with his children and their families.Jed and his wife Jane Pratt (President and CEO of the Institute for 8 years) resided in the Appalachian mountains for many years, and were long-time supporters of the Institute’s programs in the Appalachian, Himalayan and Andes mountains. Jed was a frequent visitor of the Spruce Knob Mountain Center which housed the Institute’s Appalachian Program. With Jane, Jed was a founder and supporter of Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an active member of Goose Creek Meeting in Purcellville, VA. Many know Jed as a much respected senior economist and well-liked manager in the World Bank, from which he retired in 2000 after many projects and extensive travels.
Jed, like Jane, helped to steer The Mountain Institute to take a leadership role in advocating for mountain issues globally, with keen appreciation for the creative capacities and unique adaptation of mountain communities to their environments. He is sorely missed, but we are happy to celebrate a life well spent. We have gained so much from his wisdom and enthusiasm and are proud to be a key part of all he has accomplished. Our thoughts are with his loving family.