John "Jack" Wimer

Jack attended Moxee High School through his junior year, then he enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed on the USS WASP – CV18 aircraft carrier as a gunner in a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. At the end of WW II, Jack extended his military stay to help transport US troops returning from Italy. His military service was a great source of pride he carried throughout his life. After WW II, he attended Highland High School to finish his senior year and there he met, and later married, Elizabeth Johnson. The couple raised three children.

Jobs at multiple Standard Service Stations were Jack’s first jobs after the military, followed by a move to West Valley to be an orchardist on the family ranch for the next 20 years. In addition to the demands of the ranch, Jack loved being “a part of the action”, so the police/fire scanner was often heard in the background at the Wimer home. Jack served as a volunteer on the West Valley Fire Department for many years including, Zone Chief from 1961 -1977. He became an EMT and served on Yakima Ambulance Medic I, transporting many adults & babies to Seattle and Spokane for over 23 years. He volunteered with the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Citizen’s Academy, and enjoyed working security at Yakima Speedway. Jack was a “people person” and avid storyteller. When vintage electric trolleys returned to Yakima as a tourist attraction, he relished his role as trolley master and enjoyed the notoriety when his trolley master photo appeared in the November 1978 issue of National Geographic in its story on the Yakima Valley.

One of Jack’s greatest joys was flying. After WW II he used the G.I. Bill to take flying lessons and received his pilot’s license from Charlie McAllister. Over the years, Jack logged over 4,000 hours of flight time and looked for every opportunity to fly. He was an integral member of the team hosting the Yakima Air Fair and enjoyed welcoming and entertaining pilots and guests participating in the event or just stopping in to McAllister Flying Service. McAllister’s was Jack’s home-away-from-home for over 65 years. In addition to flying, Jack spent many hours serving at what later became the McAllister Museum of Aviation as volunteer and board member.

Jack was a man of many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed playing golf, a trip now and then to the casino, and traveling, but he looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with his family. He is loved and survived by his children: Karen (Gary) Jackson of Selah, Steven (Mary) Wimer of Yakima, and Katherine Wimer of Seattle; six grandchildren: Shelly Jackson, Shannon Beaman, Jeremy Jackson, Shannon Smith, Sam Wimer and Heidi Nilles; seven great grandchildren, one great great grandson, adopted grandson, Nic Johnson, and a niece and two nephews. His mother, father and brother, Robert Wimer, preceded him in death. Time and time again, our Dad (“Papa Jack”) lived his life with courage and enthusiasm. We miss him already.

Viewing is scheduled from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Thursday, October 26. A military graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27 at Tahoma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to any of the following: McAllister Museum of Aviation, the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, or Cottage in the Meadow.