Obituary of Leonard E. Jamison

Leonard E. (Jamie) Jamison (78) of Springfield Township passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, November 23, 2007 after an eighteen month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Akron, Ohio, the only child of Everett and Myrtle (Bush) Jamison, on November 3rd , 1929, he grew up primarily in the Covington, Virginia area. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for twenty years retiring in 1966 as a Navy Chief Personnelman. After his retirement he came to the Akron area, worked for B.F. Goodrich and later was the Chief Deputy, County Clerk of Courts and worked in real estate sales. The career that he had the most passion for was his 26 years as a featured columnist for the "Virginian Review" the newspaper of his beloved childhood home of Covington, Virginia. His column "Another View" was written about every subject imaginable and Leonard used his column to express his views of the importance of family, friends, peace, kindness and tolerance. His readers enjoyed his humor and down home approach. He sincerely enjoyed every moment he spent on his column and writing it on his old typewriter. Leonard was a true family man. His love, devotion and generosity toward his family were never ending. He enjoyed every moment he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his later years attending his grandchildren's sporting events or just watching them play basketball in the driveway was a real pleasure to him. Leonard was an accomplished athlete. Through his many years he played and excelled in most sports. In his later years bowling and golf with his buddies or his family became a real priority. Until the end, he kept a 600 plus bowling series average and was still "working on his game" during his last round of golf just weeks before his passing. Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Alice (Vartanian) Jamison and his sons Lennie Jamison (Patty) of Bozeman, Montana; James Jamison (Lenna) of Lexington, Ohio and his daughter Joanne Zaratsian (G.I.) of Green, Ohio. It was devastating for him to be preceded in death by his son Jon on May of 2005. He is survived by his seven grandchildren, Laura Jamison of Berlin, New Hampshire, Jamie Jamison of Portland, Maine, Matthew Jamison of Bozeman, Montana, GI Jr., April, Jake and Jessa Zaratsian of Green, Ohio and his five great grandchildren Bobby, Aaron, Ava, Maxx and Layla. When Leonard was initially diagnosed with such a debilitating disease in May 2006 with a short life expectancy his family held a surprise 77th birthday party and celebration of life at his daughter's home. Leonard was extremely happy and overwhelmed by the gathering of so many people in his honor. To everyone's amazement, he remained very active. His warm smile and gentleness will be greatly missed. "Jamie, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, we love you and we will never forget you!" A private family graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date. An open house with food and refreshments will be held at his home from 2 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, December 1 ,2007 to continue the celebration of his life with the family. Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made in his honor to either St. Vincent-St Mary's High School, 15 N. Maple St., Akron, OH. 44301 or your favorite charity. (Anthony and Biscan, 330-899-9792,