Norman F. Jimmerson, age 69, of Sweet Home passed away Thursday. He was born in Salem, Oregon to John T. and Vernice E. (Theurer) Jimmerson.

Before joining the US Navy, Norman moved to Hoskins, Oregon, and then to Corvallis. Norman served at many naval stations, including Portland, Oregon, Long Beach, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He moved to Maryland after the Navy in 1974, and then on to Jefferson in 1985. Finally, he moved to Sweet Home in 1989 where he continued to reside with his wife, until he passed away April 24.

Norman enlisted in the Navy on July 3, 1956. His occupation was clerical/stenographer. He served at the USS Mansfield from 1956 to 1959, then transfered to Flag allowance, CINCPACFLT, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 1959 to 1963. After that, he transfered to the USS Brinkley Base and served there from 1963 to 1970, receiving an honorable discharge. Norman then served in the US Navy Reserve from 1970 until his retirement from the US Navy after 30 years of active/inactive service, March 1, 1986, as a Chief Petty Officer (E7).

Awards and medals that he earned during his service were: Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Certificate (3 times awarded).

Norman served in the Military Order of the COOTIE of the United States. Positions included: Pup tent #20 seam squirrel, All-star Grand Adjutant, during 1999-2000 as Outstanding CCDB, Past Grand Commander 2002- 2004, All-Star Grand Commander 2003 – 2004. For two succeeding years, he also served in the VFW Post 3437. He served as an All State District 14 Commander and All-state Post Commander.

Norman worked with the Maryland Department of Transportation with the State Highway Administration in 1978. In 1979, he worked for the Wallace Security Agency, Inc. He has also worked as a postal carrier and was self employed as a truck driver from 1980 until his retirement in 1990.

He liked to build things, including woodwork. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, traveling, and serving in the VFW and COOTIES.

Norman is survived by his wife Elizabeth K. Jimmerson of Sweet Home; stepchildren Larry (Carol) Larison Jr., Elizabeth (Mark) Elia, Patricia (Jello) Nice, David (Tami) Larison, Donna Larison, Tamella Jones, Sheryl (Valaunga) Siatunuu, and Rosa (Bryan) Quinones, all from Oregon; step-mother Ellen G. Jimmerson of Oregon; siblings James Jimmerson, Gene Jimmerson, Mike Jimmerson, Robert Jimmerson, and Pat Jimmerson, all Oregon residents; Larry Jimmerson of Texas, Judy of Oregon, Mary of Wisconsin, Margie of Texas, Sherilyn (Robert) Foley, Sr., of Oregon, Chester (Yvonne) Irving of Washington, and Janet (Ron) of Eldridge, Oregon; father and mother-in-law William Lamont and Geneive Irving of Oregon; 27 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtle Alta Young, in 1974; father, John T. Jimmerson, in 1983; mother, Vernice E. Theurer-Jimmerson, in 1944; and brothers, Marvin and Glenn Jimmerson.

Viewing will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 1, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. His final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Reception preceeding at local VFW-Post 3437. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.