Obituary of Jeanne B. Champ

Jeanne B. Champ. 100, formerly of the Fluvanna-Townline Rd. and Greenhurst, NY passed away at 3:00 a.m. Thursday (January 28, 2010) in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. A lifelong area resident she was born September 14, 1909 in Jamestown, NY a daughter of the late John Martin and Jennie Carlson. She was a 1927 graduate of Jamestown High School where she graduated in the top of her class and was an accomplished athlete during her high school years. One of her accomplishments was swimming across Chautauqua Lake several times. Jeanne was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Women's Army Air Corp from February 24, 1943 to March 1, 1945 during World War II. During her tour of duty she had attended the Army Administration School in Conway, AK and served as a clerk in the pay section of the officers section at Army headquarters where she had a job essential to the welfare of the flying officers at the Army Air Field in Moses Lake, WA. She was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and is believed to be the oldest women veteran in New York State. In earlier years she had been employed as a bookkeeper and office worker for the former Jamestown Lounge Company and the former Lockwood's Store. Before enlisting in the Army, at the age of 34, she had also worked for the former Park Motors, United Lumber Company and the Jamestown Furniture Mart. She attended the Fluvanna Community Church and was a member of the Ladies Aide Society and Missionary Society. She was also a life member of the Ira Lou Spring Post # 149 American Legion. She was a former member of the Ingjald Lodge # 65 Independent Order of the Vikings and the Diana Lodge, was involved in the Ellery Senior Citizens, the Home Bureau and was the last member of the Garden Club. She was also a member of the Jamestown High School One Hundred Member Club and was a faithful volunteer at the Fluvanna Free Library for many years. She will be remembered as a loving and caring mother and grandmother who loved to show her patriotism and was known as one who was always helping other people whenever she could. She loved spending time outdoors doing things with her family and friends. She had also served as an Honorary Marshall for the Jamestown Memorial Day parade. At the age of 94, she rode a jet ski on Chautauqua Lake which should give us all hope and an uplifting spirit about life. At the age of 99, Jeanne received a certificate of recognition from Chautauqua County Executive Gregory Edwards for her "lifetime of commitment to people around her" and for "her 66 years of patriotism" that began when she enlisted in the Women's Army Air Corp in 1943. On her 100th birthday, New York State Senator Cathy Young recognized her for her lifetime of achievements and military service to her country, and for knitting helmet liners for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq through the Waterways Knitting Guild. In addition, on her 100th birthday she was recognized by the Women's Memorial in Washington, DC as a charter member. She was also presented with an American flag that had been flown over the World War II Women's Memorial on her 100th birthday. Surviving are two sons Douglas V. (Mary Carla) Champ, David F. Champ both of Jamestown, five grandchildren Amy Champ (Marshall) Kimmins of Williamsville, NY, Jennifer Champ, Kathryn "Katie" Champ, Karli Champ, Quinten Champ all of Jamestown, a great grandson Ryan Kimmins of Williamsville and a step-grandson James A. Thompson of Dunkirk, NY. She was preceded in death by her husband Forrest J. Champ whom she married October 9, 1944 and who died March 6, 1985, three sisters, Adla Baker, Donna Lundine, Anna Carlson, three brothers John Johnson, Carl Carlson, Vincent Carlson, a daughter in law Nancy E. Champ, her adoptive parents Joseph A. and Selma Bergwall, and two step-brothers. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the Fluvanna Community Church. The Rev. Dayle F. Keefer, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Fluvanna Cemetery. Friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Fluvanna Community Church Building Fund, 3363 Fluvanna Ave. Ext. Jamestown, NY, 14701 or to the Fluvanna Free Library, Fluvanna Ave. Ext. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.