Mary Jean "JJ" Jamieson

Mary Jean Jamieson, affectionately known throughout her life as Jean and later in life as JJ, passed away peacefully on her 97th birthday. Born in Dallas, she spent her earliest years in Rhinehart, TX with a pet cow shared by her twin Margaret Jane and churning butter as a childhood pastime. They played under the house, where it was cool, and wore clothes made by their mother. An achiever from the start, she graduated Valedictorian of St. Edward’s Academy. As a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, she sang soprano with the choir before exploring the world of professional opera, often singing with the Dallas Metropolitan Opera. She embarked on a life defined by growth and determination, bringing her sharp mind and work ethic to the professional world, serving as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of the Dallas Times Herald, before transitioning into her most cherished roles: the devoted wife and mother of the Emmett Jamieson family. Jean yearned for experience in her life and always faced every challenge head-on. That same vibrant spirit never faded; even at 97 years old, one of her absolute favorite things to do was ride around in the front seat of a convertible, exploring Collin County and soaking in the world around her.

Jean was a woman who truly knew no strangers. Blessed with a deep empathy for everyone she met, she had a rare gift for making people feel instantly comfortable. Within five minutes of meeting her, you would find yourself sharing your life story, enveloped in her genuine warmth and attention.

A devout Catholic and a faithful follower of Jesus, Jean lived her faith daily and shared her faith as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister. To those who knew her best, she was one of the most Christ-like people they had ever encountered. Her foundational faith led her to become a proud founding member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dallas, a community she cherished deeply. And later in life as a member of St. Jude’s in Allen, TX.

Family was the cornerstone of Jean’s life. She was the proud mother of four children and the devoted wife of her late husband, Emmett Jamieson, with whom she shared 52 beautiful years of marriage. Jean brought immense joy into the lives of everyone she touched. She will always be remembered for her abundant love, her profound kindness, and, when the situation called for it, her fierce and protective spirit.

Jean is survived by her four children, Jim,(Idalia), Juliette Ormberget (Jorn) Robert (Amy) and John (Christiane) as well as her four beloved grandchildren, Emmett, Eileen, Elena, and Jakob, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love and adventure.

Jean will celebrate her heavenly 97th birthday surrounded by her husband Emmett, her twin Margaret Jane and sisters Evelyn & Josephine, her parents Lydia & Tim, and a host of heavenly family.

We would like to acknowledge with grateful hearts, “Team JJ”, those who lovingly cared for mom with compassion and dignity, these last few years: Deborah, Lawana, Lydia, Meron, Nayeli, Guadalupe, Genna, Karen, Heather and Alicia.

Service Information A funeral service will be held Sat, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Hill Cemetery North Chapel (3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX). Family and friends are invited to gather on-site, immediately following the service, to celebrate Jean’s beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, please make an in-kind donation to Catholic Charities of Dallas in honor of JJ's lifelong commitment to faith and empathy.