Charles Henry Kimball, Jr.

Charles (Charlie) Kimball was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles Henry Kimball and Eugenia Cooney Kimball. The family moved fairly early in Charlie’s life to Kansas City, Missouri, and he had vivid memories of growing up there. He was in the army in World War II, serving in a medical unit in Indonesia. He entered Tokyo Bay at the end of the war, fearing the worst, but was welcomed eagerly by the Japanese. His brother, William, died shortly after the war.

Upon returning to the states, he moved to Colorado where he had been stationed before leaving the country. In Colorado, Charlie started mentoring young people. He and a good friend started Saturday night dances for high school kids. They later started a business school (in Montrose, CO) because they saw a need to train young people for good jobs.

Charlie graduated from the Barnes School of Commerce in 1946 with a degree in accounting. He met Jeanne Sargent at Barnes and they married that same year. They moved to Casper, Wyoming, and started a family. Three daughters (Sharon, Kathy, and Darcy) were born there.

Charlie and Jeanne moved to Western Colorado where he worked as a bookkeeper and office manager. Sons William and Robert were born in Grand Junction and Montrose, Colorado. Later, in Arizona, Charlie began working in Rural Electric Cooperatives (REC) which became his life’s work. He joined Kiwanis and became president, helping start “Dollars for Scholars,” a scholarship program for vocational schools as well as colleges.

With the children all grown up, Charlie took the opportunity for a position overseas with the International Program of REC in Dhaha, Bangladesh. Through Friends who were starting a Quaker Worship Group, Charlie and Jeanne found Friends. After two years, Charlie retired from the REC and settled in Southern California near family and friends. He worked as an accountant and office manager for an accountant and then for a creamery. Charlie and Jeanne joined Inland Valley Friends in Redlands at that time.

In 1984-86, Charlie and Jeanne served in the Peace Corp in Jamaica. He worked with small business groups and volunteered with an environmental group, helping children learn about endangered species in Jamaica. After he returned from the Peace Corp, he continued to work as an accountant. At age 70, he decided to retire from paid work. He and Jeanne responded to an advertisement in Friends Journal about being Resident Friends in Wellington, New Zealand. They served the Meeting for nine months.

On Labor Day, 1990, Charlie and Jeanne settled in Florence, Oregon. Corvallis Friends had suggested Florence when they learned about Jeanne’s allergies.

They joined Eugene Friends Meeting and started the Florence Worship Group during the Gulf War, January 1991. The Worship Group met twice a month in the Kimballs’ home. Charlie was Treasurer of North Pacific Yearly Meeting and Willamette Quarterly Meeting (WQM). He served on the Board of Friends Bulletin (now Western Friend). He, along with others, started the annual WQM Men’s Retreat.

While in Florence, Charlie was on the Siuslaw Public Library Board for ten years where he was already a volunteer. The new addition to the library was accomplished during his tenure. He was also president of the Kiwanis in the 1990’s. He enjoyed volunteering outdoors – the Dunes Overlook, Heceta Lighthouse, and whale-watching assistance.

Charlie will be remembered for his kindness towards, and mentoring of, others in need and for his sense of humor. He and Jeanne were married for 70 years. They enjoyed traveling where they always looked for Quaker Meetings. In the later years, they traveled by train to visit family in California and New England where Charlie’s brother, Patrick, lives.

Charlie is survived by his wife Jeanne, five children (Sharon Kimball, Kathy Bellah, Darcy Moore, William Kimball and Robert Kimball), fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great grands, and one great, great grand.

Charlie was 96 when he passed away at home, surrounded by his loving wife Jeanne and friends. He is already sorely missed.