Obituary of Robert Thomas Jamison

Robert Thomas (Bob) Jamison

 

Bob was born on October 24, 1923 in Billings, OK to Raymond and Gertrude Jamison.   Bob was one of six children. He and his family moved to the PNW and spent his formative years on the Olympic Peninsula and Gig Harbor, moving to Yakima and eventually settling in Tacoma, where he met the love of his life, Lucille Coyne. They married in December of 1943. 

Bob was deeply rooted in his faith and was the epitome of an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather & friend.  He was an Honored WWII Veteran, serving four years in the South Pacific aboard the USS Dobbin. Bob was a proud and respected member of the Boeing Experimental Flight Test Team for 33 years until his retirement in 1987.

Bob lived life to the fullest and saw nothing but the best in people and situations!  His positive outlook was unwavering. His love for the game of baseball was palpable!  He was a huge basketball fan as well!  He enjoyed watching Seattle U and was a die-hard Gonzaga basketball fan to the end!  He proudly wore Crimson and Gray in support of his “Cougs”, which tied him to his high school days in Yakima.   He was a big Yankee fan until the Mariners arrived on the scene.   He played semi-professional baseball prior to and after the war. He loved the thrill of competing at every level.  He and his K. Street, Olde Pilsner & Edgewood teammates were recognized at the Pierce County Old-Timers Association Hall of Fame Banquet in 2002.  He preferred the American League and loved taking a game in with friends and family.  Bob was sure carrots improved eyesight and his opinion was that most umpires and referees left ALL the carrots served to them on their plate; evidenced by all those missed calls. He was sure this was the reason why they couldn’t see what was so obvious to him! He was an overall avid sports enthusiast!   It wasn’t out of the question for him to drive from one end of the state to the other to take in an event of any sort that involved his grandkids. He cheered for his ENTIRE family and their friends.  He was our biggest fan.

Bob loved to work with wood and built all kinds of wonderful things!  One of his most prized accomplishments is the cabin that he built on Haven Lake, with and for, his family & friends.  Countless gatherings, Masses, celebrations and good old fashioned fun have been had to his (and Lucy’s) complete and utter enjoyment.  His presence will be felt there forever! 

Together with Lucy he enjoyed road trips in their RVs, international trips with the Sacred Heart crew, taking summer vacations with their kids & grandkids.  He loved spending time on the water in the Bob-a-Lou, most times reeling in the daily limit of delicious salmon!  He opened his doors to everyone and thoroughly enjoyed an impromptu visit which typically wasn’t complete without a glass of Merlot. 

He was a founding member of the East Side Boys Club, a member of Sacred Heart Church, St. John of the Woods Church, Society of St. Vincent DePaul, Sacred Heart Men’s Club, Sacred Heart Bowling League, Tacoma Elk’s Club, and Meadowpark Men’s Club – where he achieved a Hole in One!  He was member of the SPEEA Union and proudly served as a Union Rep.  He touched the lives of many through coaching Sacred Heart CYO teams as well as the Senior Babe Ruth Cheney Studs. 

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 75 ½ years, Lucy, seven children, Tom (Pat), Dick (Cindy), Larry (Lina), Jeanine, John (Mary), Joyce (Bill) Julie (Darren), 22 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.  Predeceased by his parents, Raymond Jamison & Gertrude Roberts, daughter Christine Jamison, granddaughter Kaelie Jamison, son in law, Jason Pustek.   

Please join us for Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life, August 8th, 11:00, St. John of the Woods Catholic Church.  

Our heartfelt gratitude to Beth, & Elizabeth of the Franciscan Hospice Team. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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