[Tall-Corn] Jim Omvig obituary and service information

[s_k_jung at mediacombb.net]

A friend called me Wednesday morning to give me the sad news that our dear
friend Jim Omvig has passed away. I was in the middle of finals week, so I
didn't quite put it together. Jim had a passion for improving the lives of
all blind people through his work in the National Federation Of The Blind.

 

I first met Jim and Sharon when Jim was the Director of The Alaska Training
Center For The Blind. I used to attend summer programs for blind children
put on by The Anchorage School District held at the Alaska Training Center.
At that time, I didn't know much English and I was a quiet little girl. I
could remember sitting on his lap and having him lecture me in English. I
wish I understood what he said. It must have been important because I could
hear the seriousness in his voice. He met my mother during those after
school events put on by the parents of blind children, she use to take me
to. Jim tried his best to attend every after-school event because of his
belief in the independence of blind children.

 

There was a lady that worked at the center cleaning and cooking. Everyone
loved her because she did everything for us. We called her mother. After
every meal we had to bring our dishes to the sink. She used to grab mine and
take it over there for me. Jim told her that I could take the dishes over
there myself. I am not sure what he told her, but she stopped doing things
for us. She didn't last too long at the center after that.

 

When Jim and Sharon left Alaska, it was never the same because it was Jim
who led the Alaska chapter of the National Federation Of The Blind. God
brought these two wonderful people in my life for a reason because I really
didn't think I would ever see them again. When I attended my first NFB
convention in 1995 in Chicago. it was during the general sessions a friend
brought me over to see them. Jim told this friend that I know this young
lady, don't let her fool you, she is a bright young lady. We sat and talked
for a bit, and he lectured me the same way he did when I was a little girl.
This pep talk thing Jim was good at. We would get together every NFB
convention to catch up on things. He always asked me how my mother was doing
and tell me, don't forget to tell your mother hi for me? There were times
when he would sit at the PAC table at the back of the room and ask me when I
was going to join the PAC Plan. Now every time I hear the PAC Plan song, it
reminds me of Jim.

 

When I moved to Iowa, I was surprised to see both Jim and Sharon at a
chapter Christmas party. We did are usual catch up on things, that's when I
learned they were from here, and his piano playing, and singing is amazing.
He always reminds me that I am still a little girl. Jim was always a
pleasure to be around. He was always full of joy and had a positive outlook
on life. I am honored to call him friend, role model, and teacher.

Soo Kee Jung

 

From: Tall-Corn <tall-corn-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Scott Van Gorp
via Tall-Corn
Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2022 2:10 PM
To: NFBI Listserv <tall-corn at nfbnet.org>; NFBI Listserv
<tall-corn at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Scott Van Gorp <svangorp at nfbi.org>
Subject: [Tall-Corn] Jim Omvig obituary and service information

 

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
Email <mailto:svangorp at nfbi.org> 

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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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