We Remember
JAMISON, Joseph Lawson Frank
January 14, 1955 — August 23, 2022
We are incredibly heartbroken to announce the passing of Joseph Lawson Frank Jamison. A man whose presence in this world brought sunshine every day, to his very last day he brought strength, courage and kindness. He saw life in a way that not many can. On August 23, 2022, after a brave 18-month fight, Dad lost his battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind, Angie, his loving wife of 39 years; his adored children Pierre (Michelle), Monique (James), and Christopher; and his beloved grandchildren, Noah, Maria, Kaylee and Yolanda.
Joe was born on January 14, 1955, in Hazelton, BC to Molly and Ira Jamison. He was one of three boys. He loved his brothers, Mark (Bronwen) and Mike (Wendy), and cared deeply for his nephew and niece Kane and Tracy, as well as his large extended family. For those of you who knew him, Joe was a family man. He was the rock for our mother, and his life revolved around his family. He would say he was “rich in experiences”. Dad was also adventurous, loved sports, he was always up for a challenge and always saw the best in everyone. He believed in doing what you love every day, which is exactly how he lived his life right to the end.
From a young age, he spent most of his time playing sports, both recreationally and competitively. Until his diagnosis, he was an avid skier, soccer, and tennis player. Some of our fondest memories were on the ski hill, boating until sunset, or taking off on spontaneous adventures to enjoy the simple pleasures that nature has to offer. One thing, not many people knew about our dad is that he loved Slurpees, strange for a healthy guy, but he loved them!
Dad cared about people, all people, and he loved life. He would always ask how you were, and he genuinely cared to hear the response. He was always the voice of reason, looking for a win-win in any challenging circumstance. He chose a career path as an educator, to help people, and he loved his work! As an educator, he loved learning and encouraging others to do the same.
Our dad had a great life, and he was always happy. We are so very proud and grateful for the long, hard fight our dad endured. He did all he could to live his life to the fullest, one day at a time, and we took advantage of each day we had with him. We appreciated the support of all the medical professionals and give special thanks to his Family Doctor, Jennifer Parsons, and the palliative care team. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to support the research of brain cancer. He believed further research would lead one step closer to someone else having a different journey and maybe even a cure in the future.
The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Link: www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now
Condolences
I’ve known Joe for a few years as we played tennis together. During the winter we would get together to shovel snow and played tennis. I always remember his friendly smile and pleasant personality. I also worked with him during the COTA events. I will missed him dearly. Minh
I met Joe Jamison only a few years into my career as a teacher, and it didn’t take long for him to convince me that working in Alternative Education was a vital, rewarding choice. In him, I saw a good man who cared deeply about people . . . especially students, and I decided to apply for a posting at the Storefront School. Joe made a valued contribution to people’s lives, to professional associations and to the community. I know he felt it was a rewarding career personally . . . and the rest of us were rewarded by his example and his actions. You will be missed, Joe !
Giving thanks for Joe’s generous life and for the gift he was to those who had the privilege of working and learning with him . Courage and strength to his family as you live on and honour him.
Our hearts go out to you in this sad time. We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Love Jason & Max
Dear Angie, Monique, Pierre and Christopher, we send our deepest condolences to you all. Our prayers are with you 🙏💗
Dear Angie and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. I have fond memories of Joe and I teaching together over several years. We were hired at the same time by the school district, but Joe’s name was ahead of mine on the seniority list. He would always tease me about the fact that they put “the better teacher first“. Not only did he dedicate his time to students, he also worked tirelessly to provide professional development for teachers through his role in COTA. Joe loved his family and spoke about them often. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Barb Leclair
I had the privilege to know Joe as a fellow tennis player and educator. My sincere condolences for you at this time.
Please accept our sincere condolences on your heavy loss. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Knowing Joe for the last 20 years has been a privilege. Joe was deeply dedicated to his family, his job, and his love of sport. The world has truly lost a good man.. Condolences Angie and family,
Dear Angie and family
It is with great sadness that I write my condolences to you on finding out the passing of my friend Joe.
Joe’s and my friendship began when he started teaching in Sparwood back in the early 1980s. We became fast friends and spent many hours together working, travelling and playing together. We spend many days skiing together, having dinners at our place with my wife Loie and other friends of that time, and just hanging out.
We lived in a trailer in Mountain Shadows Trailer Court in Hosmer at that time. When Joe began teaching at Mountain View Elementary there was no places to rent in the valley. I was able to find him a place in the small cabin located in the middle of the trailer court. He lived there for several years and often joined us for dinner and gatherings.
One night Loie and I were watching TV in our front room when the channel changed on its own. We changed it back and it changed again. This happened several times and then the channels just started randomly changing. We didn’t know what was going on until we looked outside and saw Joe standing there laughing with the same kind of remote changing our TV.
Another night we were having a party and when one of our friends went to the bathroom. Joe thought that we should hide on her. We all quickly went outside and watched her through the window come back into the front room. She looked around a little confused and then went back down the hall and then back in the front room and then back down the hall. We all rushed back into the front room and sat down and began talking as if nothing happened. She came back down the hall and we never let on that we had pulled that prank on her. She still looked confused but sat down and began talking like nothing happened. We never did tell her the prank we pulled.
I remember when Joe fell in love with Angie. I was his confidant and listened as he gushed over this beautiful woman that he had fallen in love with and wanted to marry. I was honoured when he asked me to stand up with him at their marriage at the Fernie Court House. He quickly became a father to Pierre and Monique and often came to our place with them. I remember Monique and her possessiveness for her shoes. She carried them and would not put them down no matter how much coaxing. Pierre was a quiet shy boy and when Christopher came along there was three of them that would come and play when Joe visited.
When Joe and Angie moved to Vernon and then to Kelowna, we stayed in contact and I always made a point of calling him up and getting together for a quick visit. We made great memories together and I considered him a true friend. I can still hear his laugh and his eagerness in whatever he did.
I am truly saddened by the news of Joe’s passing and Loie and I send all our condolences to the family.