Calvin John Jamieson, a lifelong resident of Old Mission Peninsula passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024 surrounded by family. He was nearly 92 and will be remembered for his love for family, faith, country and community. He was a kind, patient and generous man, always willing to lend a hand or offer advice when asked.
Cal was born on July 31, 1932 to the late Ivan and Mabel (Jarrett) Jamieson. Cal attended the one room school house in Mapleton. His high school years were spent in Traverse City where he enjoyed playing on the football team. He took some short courses at Michigan State University to enhance his farming knowledge. He loved the MSU Spartans.
Cal tragically lost his father at the age of 14. He graciously assumed the responsibility of man of the house. Along with his mother and younger brother Elmer, they took on the task of running the farm. With the help of the Old Mission Community and in particular the Carroll family and his Uncle Les, he was able to graduate from high school. It was at this time that his outlook on life developed. He always saw the best in people and was grateful for all that he had. When he lost his fingers in a wood chopping accident, he always said, it could have been so much worse.
In 1953 on July 4th, Cal married Verla K. Miller in Carson City. Cal always said "Verla was the best partner I could have ever asked for". They were together 64 years and had six children. Shortly after they married, they moved to Kentucky where Cal served our country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After 1 year of serving active duty and a very persuasive letter from his wife, he was transferred to the USAR where he completed 8 additional years of service. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1963. He was a proud veteran and joined the Old Mission American Legion Post #399. Throughout his life he served as the post commander and was a dedicated member.
After his life long career as a fruit farmer, he made it a personal mission to plant hundreds of trees along M-37/Center Road. He fondly remembered his days as a young child riding with his father with their team of horses and how the tree canopy protected them from the harsh summer sun.
Cal also drove a double bottom tanker for Wagner Transportation for 30 years. In his free time Cal loved to fish, hunt, play cards, watch the birds and play on the water. Weekends were often spent taking his family out on the boat skiing or fishing. He loved to spend time on Drummond Island with his Uncle Les and in the UP with his good friend Ralph Cross. Cal and Ve created special memories with life long friends and family at Grand Falls Camp north of Thessalon, Ontario.
Cal is survived by his daughters Kelli (Glenn Christian) Larson, Krista (Gerald) Becker, and Jamie Jamieson and her husband Brian Burkholder; grandchildren Ryan Fouch, Ronald Becker, Tiffany Hodgson and Sarah Larson; great grandchildren Kylie Fouch, Alaska and Indigo Hodgson; brother Elmer and sister-in-law Farrell Jamieson, sister Judith Eckart, and sister Janice (Dave)Guest; and sister-in-law Vonna Montague.
Cal was preceded in death by his wife Verla, sons Kim Charles and Calvin John II.; daughter Karla Jamieson and many friends.
The memorial service celebrating Cal's life will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 11 am with visitation beginning one hour prior at Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church. He was a long-time member of the church and survived many tragic family deaths with the help of his strong faith. Following the memorial service, he and Verla will be laid to rest at the Ogdensburg Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.
Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church, The Old Mission American Legion Post #399, a charity of one's choice, or the family encourages you to plant a tree in Cal's memory.

The service will be livestreamed at www.rjfh.tv

Following the service it will be posted under the Photo and Video tab.