John Felix McGimpsey

John McGimpsey, 97, passed away on April 23, 2014. He Was Born to John and Helen McGimpsey on June 26, 1916, in Tacoma, Washington. John graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington in 1934 and joined the Army December 1, 1941. He served as a radio operator in Alaska throughout the World War II. In 1946, John married Opal Tarrant, also from Tacoma, and they began their married life of 67 years together. They raised four children. He is survived by his wife, Opal; his son, Mike (Judy); three daughters Linda (Ron) Moon, Kay (Bud) Bunce, and Janet Hensley. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

John was an entrepreneur throughout his life. Beginning in 1946, John and Opal bought their first of four Grocery stores in Ridgefield, WA. In 1950 the moved to Olympia and bought a small farm and in 1954 they bought Lacey Food Center. He continued in the grocery store business and other business ventures until his retirement in 1970. John was a longtime member of the Olympia Elks Club and was the oldest active member of the Tumwater Valley Athletic Club. He and Opal enjoyed many years of traveling to destinations all around the world; his favorite being Hawaii. John enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, but his favorite activity was spending time with family. He had a quick wit and brought smiles and laughter to all that met him.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 1, 10am at Mills and Mills Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the boys and girls club, 902 24th way SW, Ste#A-2, Olympia 98502 or North Thurston Education Foundation, Sue Shannon, P.O. Box 3312, Lacey, WA. 98509

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.