Jacqueline Helen Gilmur

Jackie is survived by her daughters Shawn Kilpatrick (husband John Kilpatrick), Kelli Harris (husband Clint Harris), and Erin Brown (husband Aaron Brown). She is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, James Gilmur, and her granddaughter Kenna Harris.

Born on January 18, 1936, in Ketchikan, Alaska, Jackie was the only child of John W. Smith and Ruth W. Horschel. She grew up in Metlakatla, Alaska, but spent her high school years boarding with a family in Ketchikan to attend Ketchikan High School, known as Kayhi. Jackie excelled as an active member of the Rainbow Girls, served as the center for her high school basketball team, and made history as the first female and Alaska Native Student Body President of Kayhi during her senior year.

Jackie met the love of her life, James Gilmur, in Metlakatla. Their romance continued into their college years—Jackie attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, while Jim studied at the University of California. Unwilling to be apart, the couple eloped and were married in Reno on February 7, 1956. They lived in San Francisco while Jim earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, then returned to Metlakatla for 15 years before settling permanently in Kenmore, Washington.

Jackie was a devoted homemaker who raised three daughters. She encouraged and supported their passions, teaching them the value of both work and play. Family activities included berry picking, crabbing, cooking, dancing, beachcombing, and picnics. Jackie was known for her exceptional cooking and for hosting large, wonderful family dinners. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and was deeply involved with her church, including serving in the Seattle Temple for several years. Above all, Jackie loved people, maintaining close relationships with friends and family through her ever-handy telephone.

An advocate for arthritis research, Jackie dedicated countless hours to studying new treatments and participated in many test studies, often risking her own health. She was a pioneer of the medication Enbrel, now widely used as a treatment for arthritis, and was rewarded for her efforts by receiving the medication at no cost for the remainder of her life. Her extensive collection of research documents reflects her passion for improving the lives of others with arthritis.

As her arthritis progressed, Jackie required additional help at home. The family is deeply grateful to the many caregivers who assisted her over the years. In her final year, Jackie resided at Regency Care Center in Monroe, Washington. Despite her declining health, Jackie continued to connect with others through her radiant smile, earning the love and respect of both staff and residents. Her family is especially thankful for the exceptional care she received from the amazing staff at Regency.

Jackie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family has requested that any memorial contributions in Jackie's memory be made to the Arthritis Foundation.