Obituary

Michael George Jameson, 1949-2023

Posted

Michael George Jameson passed away August 25, 2023.  He was born November 18, 1949, to George Arthur Jameson and Helen Frances (Saunders) Jameson in Seattle, Washington.  

Michael grew up in Seattle, where his family members were longstanding parishioners of Assumption Catholic Church. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and studied Business at North Seattle Community College and Accounting and Business at Seattle Central College.

Professionally, Michael worked as a loan officer for US Bank, Evergreen Home Loans, CTX Mortgage, and was co-owner with his brother and CEO of the Jameson Group Mortgage and Escrow.  

Michael loved the water, especially sailing, and was a member of the Tacoma Yacht Club. 

After moving to Lacey in 1998, he married Estella Arellano on July 23, 2005, in Lacey. He was a member of Lacey’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Michael’s life was one of patriotism and service. He didn’t just sit on the sidelines, but always wanted to be involved in the action of life. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. His service after service toward Veterans programs and issues proved that.  He volunteered and served selflessly on several boards and committees to support Veterans and their families, including The Gold Star Families Monument in Lacey, Washington, serving as President and board member; Thurston County Veteran Services; Lacey South Sound Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee; and the Lacey Veterans Service HUB.

Michael was involved in many worthwhile causes.  He always put action into everything he was passionate about.  One cause especially dear to his heart was the American Cancer Society’s campaign to end breast cancer. He attended the first “Real Men Wear Pink” event and committed to DO something in honor of his daughter’s mother and his sister, who lost their lives to breast cancer. Michael created “Real Pirates Wear Pink” and recruited friends to help make the vision come to life. The Pirates team raised $38,500 from 2018-2022! Michael spoke on National webinars about his passion for ending breast cancer and his why. In 2020, when most events had been cancelled, Michael doubled his goal; he and the Pirates team transitioned the event to a drive-through and refused to stop raising money, knowing cancer wasn’t finished and neither were they. In 2023, the Pirates team joined “Relay for Life” as Swashbuckling Warriors; they raised over $9,000.  Michael believed in the power of community, the importance of research, and how crucial services were to patients and caregivers. His passion was inspiring and motivating to everyone around him.

Michael also was involved with other community organizations, including the Lacey South Sound Chamber of Commerce. In addition to chairing the Military Affairs Committee, he co-chaired the South Sound Connections networking meetings the past several years.  He brought his caring and enthusiasm to each meeting and loved connecting people, offering advice, and encouraging others.  He also was on the Board of Directors team, offering his time and talents to many events, most recently the South Sound BBQ Festival.  His expertise, big smile and great sense of humor will be missed by many in the community.

He will forever live in the hearts of family and friends.  He is survived by his wife, Estella A. Jameson; daughter, Rachael M. Guntle, and her husband, Timothy J. Guntle; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many friends in the South Sound area. He was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Timothy J. Jameson; and older sister, Maureen L. Carr.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support shown to them as we celebrate a life well lived.

There will be a Funeral Mass on Thursday, September 14, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St. SE, Lacey, WA 98501.

Inurnment with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club, 5900 Troon Lane SE, Olympia, WA 98501. There will be a wine bar reception beginning at 2:00 p.m. with food served at 2:30 p.m.  A time of sharing will begin at 3:00 p.m. with opening comments by Estella.  Time will then be opened to anyone who wants to share memories.

The family suggests donations to honor Michael’s life may be made to Relay for Life through the American Cancer Society, PO Box 3682, Seattle, WA 98124.

Please leave memories & condolences online at https://funeralalternatives.org/tribute/details/322883/Michael-Jameson/obituary.html#tribute-start