Jo Marian Gimse's Obituary
Jo Marion Meachum Gimse 1934-2008 Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt. Jo was born January 29, 1934, in Batesville, Arkansas. On May 2, 2008, in Tacoma, Washington, she went to our Lord and Savior and now waits in Heaven to be reunited with loving family. She is survived by James, her devoted husband of 56 years, her loving children, Debe, Kaare (Karen), and Tom (Tammy), her grandchildren Joshua, Tyson (Joy), Aaron, Jamie Joelle, Travis, Misa (James), and Matt, her great grandchildren Mara, Brandon, Kyle, and Ethan, her sisters Rosie (Jack) Chinery and Carol Sienkiewicz, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allie and Wayne Garrett, Edgar Meachum, and her sister, Martha Ann Fox. Ever the traveler, Jo moved from Arkansas to Detroit, Michigan at age one, then to Tacoma, Washington in the summer of 1945. She attended Parkland Elementary, then moved to Gault Junior High, Lincoln High School, and graduated from Fife High School in May of 1951. She attended Crown Beauty School from 1951-52. She worked at Tacoma General Hospital from 1951 until1955, at which time she focused on her children. As a mother, Jo was very dedicated to her children and their education. She was active at Delong Elementary as President of the Preschool and P.T.A. Between 1956-1967, she was the room mother for her three children. She worked on the playground and volunteered in the classroom. She was a member of the Delong Election Board from 1960-1965. She attended Clover Park Vocational School and earned a Teacher's Assistant Certificate in 1969. She worked at Mount Tahoma High School from 1969-1970. Jo had a rewarding career in finance. She worked as a credit union assistant manager and manager between 1974-1980. She earned a Business Management Certificate from the University of Wisconsin in 1978. She was treasurer of the Credit Union Executives Club and Treasurer of P.C.C.U. She was Credit Union Person of the Year in 1979. Jo's love of life and vivacity were contagious. She had many passions, all that she shared with her loved ones. She started bowling with her mom in 1951. She and her mom, daughter, and in-laws participated in day leagues until 1976. She bowled with James on Monday Mix-Up since 1967. She bowled in a Ladies Travel League since 1985. She was active not only as a member, but as League President, Secretary, and Treasurer as well. She helped in the junior program when her sons were active from 1969-1973 at New Frontier Lanes. She earned membership in the 600 Club in 1968 and won third place in the 1973 Bowl Pro-Am. Besides bowling, she loved golf, camping, travel, and visiting. In August of 2005, she traveled with family to Norway to golf in the Haarsaker-Gimse International Open. She was a talented artist who expressed her creativity in oil painting, water colors, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and decorating. As an art teacher, she shared her creative talents with others. In addition, she enjoyed working on computers and was extremely tech savvy. Jo was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church since 1953. She was involved as Chair President, a Sunday School teacher, Bible School Super, Stephen's Ministries, usher and communion server. While we are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, we will celebrate the life and everlasting love of Jo Meachum Gimse on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington. The Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the reception will follow. Remembrances may be made in Jo's name to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1315 North Stevens Street, Tacoma, WA 98406. Always in our hearts, Jo's love and strength will live on.
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