[MDABS] Sad News: Jim Omvig

[Maryland President]

Federation Family,
I'm sorry to share that Jim Omvig, former NFB of Maryland affiliate president, passed away on April 27, 2022.  Obituary and service information is below.  Please keep Jim, his beloeved wife Sharon, and their family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

https://www.soderstrumfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-Harlan-Omvig?obId=24722117  

James Harlan Omvig
February 12, 1935 - April 27, 2022
Obituary
James (Jim) Harlan Omvig of Altoona, Iowa was born on February 12, 1935 in Roland, Iowa to Herrma and Jens Omvig and was raised in Slater, Iowa. Jim graduated from the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, Iowa and later attended the training center at the Iowa Commission for the Blind, Drake University and completed his higher education at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law--from which he holds a Juris Doctor degree.

Jim worked in the legal profession for a number of years then moved to his passion-working with and for the blind community. He worked first as the Director of the Training and Orientation Center at the Iowa Commission for the Blind. Later he held positions at Social Security Headquarters in Baltimore and served as Director of the Alaska Training Center for the Blind. He also authored three books relating to blindness training and rehabilitation and he was appointed to a committee position by President Bush.

Jim devoted his life and talents to fighting on behalf of the blind for civil rights, training and equality. As a leader in the National Federation of the Blind, he was instrumental in improving the lives of blind people throughout the country by helping legislate legal and policy changes and more importantly, by inspiring and training blind children and adults to be independent, contributing equals in our society.

Jim was always a pleasure to be with. His cheerful, positive attitude and personality was evident in his work and personal life and anyone who knew him can attest to it! In his work he taught that it is “OK to be blind”. In his personal life he inspired and warmed his family and friends with his love and kindness. His adored and loving wife Sharon was by his side for 48 years of adventures, and they accomplished so much together. He was a very talented musician--played piano, trombone and was a wonderful singer. He funded his law school costs in part by playing and singing in local piano clubs. He also wrote several songs-devotions of love to his wife primarily.

He loved to train dogs and had a passion for old cars--he was particularly fond of his 1968 Ford XL convertible. His love of music was constant and very traditional. The Big Band era was his favorite and Frank Sinatra was always a staple. There was rarely a phone call he didn’t take or a message he didn’t return. His family, friends and colleagues were the recipients of his kindness and generosity throughout his life.

Jim passed away on Wednesday April 27th, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clayton and Peter.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, son James II and his wife Jamie, sister Janet Gawith, granddaughter Brittany Nichols and great grandsons Seth and Alexander Nichols, many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells St, at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD. 21230

A celebration of life service is being planned for Jim to be held this June 24, 2022 at 11 am at Lutheran Church of Hope 925 Jordan Creek Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa.


Ronza Othman, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
443-426-4110
Pronouns: she, her, hers
 
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back