Donald E. Jimerson's Obituary
Don was born on September 29, 1934 to Charles Franklin and Emma Josephine Kluser Jimerson in Portland, Oregon. In 1950 his parents and two brothers, Daryle and David, moved to Scappoose. He was a 1952 graduate of Scappoose High School.
After graduation he joined the US Coast Guard; attended basic training in San Diego; then served in Port Townsend, WA. In 1955 he married Dona Newkirk. The next year they welcomed their first daughter, Debra Rae. In 1957 they were blessed with a son, Daniel Allen and in 1961 another daughter, Dawn Ann. To support his family he worked as a sales representative, then a real estate agent, and in 1970 he became an agent for Farmer?s Insurance until retiring in 2002.
Don was very civic minded and was instrumental in starting the first Junior Chamber of Commerce Jaycees. He served as local president in 1967 and later as the state President. During the 1960?s through the Jaycees he and Dona volunteered many hours to various activities such as the annual ?Pow Wow? town celebration, putting up and taking down the American flag at local business?s on federal holidays, and organizing blood drives. He continued to donate blood on a regular basis. In 1965 he was presented with the Community Distinguished Service Award for his volunteer work.
In 1970 Don served for two years on the School Board Budget Committee; and in 1972 was asked to become the Municipal Judge of Scappoose. He proudly served in this position for 29 years, forever after being known and respected as ?The Judge?.
Don and Dona loved family camping trips. One of the highlights was a three week adventure to the Yukon Territory. After that they began yearly trips to the Hood Canal for harvesting of clams and oysters. He also enjoyed the outdoors and hunting and fishing. He already had snacks packed and fuel in the pickup for the annual elk hunting trip in November.
In 2001 his life changed forever when he lost his beloved Dona to cancer. She left behind her dog, Fritz, who became his constant companion and ?partner?. The two could be seen daily visiting ?Mama? and putting fresh flowers on her grave. He also spent his days with ?social trips? to Fred Meyer, and coffee with the guys. He never missed a weekly dinner with his kids and their families. Don was always known to share his wisdom and value of the simple things in life; like watching the birds feed, listening for the first frogs in late summer, and picking and sharing blackberries.
Don is survived by his son, Dan Jimerson and wife, Lorraine; daughters: Debra Gainer and husband, Larry; and Dawn Paintner and husband, Brent all of Warren; brothers: Daryle Jimerson of Pacific City; and David Jimerson of Tigard; Grandchildren: Julie Jordan, Marcus Starr, Matthew Jimerson, Hilary Raichel and Ryan and Kevin Gainer; and great-grandchildren: Hannah, Hailey and Marc.
Don?s family would like to thank everyone for honoring him this day. We know that our parents are together again and watching over us all from above.
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