[Tall-Corn] Jim Omvig obituary and service information

Scott Van Gorp svangorp at nfbi.org
Sat Apr 30 19:09:32 UTC 2022


Good Afternoon Federation Family:

As promised, here is the link to Jim Omvig's obituary and service
information. I have pasted the text below as well for your convenience.

https://www.soderstrumfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-Harlan-Omvig?obId=247
22117  

 

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.

 

Scott Van Gorp, President
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa
Phone: 515-720-5282
 <mailto:svangorp at nfbi.org> Email

 <http://www.nfbi.org/> Website 
 
<https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823
082570/posts> Facebook 
 <https://twitter.com/nfb_iowa> Twitter 
Live the life you want.

The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day
we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

 

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