David Allen Jimerson

David A. Jimerson, baritone, was an Associate Professor Emeritus at Portland State University (PSU) and a proud PSU alumnus. Over the course of his distinguished career, he actively performed in opera, oratorio, and song recital literature.

Additionally, Professor Jimerson was highly sought after as an adjudicator for solo and choral competitions, ranging from high school-level contests to prestigious events such as the Metropolitan Opera Auditions and the National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards. He also served as a clinician and guest conductor across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Professor Jimerson dedicated 40 years to teaching at Portland State University. Many of his students have gone on to enjoy active performing careers in opera and musical theater on stages around the world.

As a performer, Professor Jimerson graced the stages of numerous renowned opera companies, including Portland Opera, Seattle Opera, Reno Opera, Arizona Opera, Boise Opera, and Anchorage Civic Opera. His versatile operatic repertoire included roles such as Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor, Schaunard in La Bohème, Sonora in La Fanciulla del West, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana, Gianni in Gianni Schicchi, Prince Ottokar in Der Freischütz, The Royal Herald in Lohengrin, Papageno in The Magic Flute, Tonio in Pagliacci, Count di Luna in Il Trovatore, and Figaro in both Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Le Nozze di Figaro.

His oratorio performances included collaborations with esteemed orchestras and choirs such as the Oregon Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, The Portland Symphonic Choir, The Salem Chorale, and The Peter Britt Festival Orchestra. His repertoire featured notable works such as Handel’s Messiah, Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Christ, Faure’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Brahms’ Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Vaughan Williams’ The Five Mystical Songs, and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

In December 2000, David recorded his CD, Music I Heard With You, featuring songs by American composer Richard Faith, further solidifying his contributions to vocal music.

Throughout his career, Professor Jimerson received widespread critical acclaim:

• “Jimerson’s resonant baritone anchored the ensemble with its size and force, registering each emotion impressively. It was a major piece of work.” — The Oregonian

• “David Jimerson’s strong bass voice was full of power and personality in each of his solos.” — The Oregonian

• “Jimerson displayed a lustrous voice that has polish and discipline.” — Arizona Daily Star

• “Jimerson has firmly established himself as one of the most consistently satisfying baritones in the Northwest.” — Oregon Journal

• “But the most vivid, powerful, intelligible voice in the cast belonged to baritone David Jimerson. Jimerson’s vocal presence was riveting. Amazing.” — Tucson Citizen

Professor Jimerson remains deeply committed to ensuring access to quality music education. Throughout his tenure, he has been a generous and steadfast supporter of the Portland State University (PSU) School of Music, championing the growth and development of its programs and students.

His enduring passion for and dedication to the Musical Arts are exemplified through the establishment of the David A. Jimerson Vocal Scholarship Fund. This scholarship stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in nurturing talent and fostering excellence in vocal performance.

The Portland State University Foundation, an Oregon nonprofit corporation, will oversee the administration of this transformative gift. The fund will continue to support aspiring vocalists within the PSU School of Music, ensuring that Professor Jimerson’s legacy lives on for generations to come.

Professor David A. Jimerson passed away peacefully under hospice care on December 31, 2025. His remarkable legacy of 83 years will forever live on in the hearts and minds of the countless students, friends, family members, colleagues, and audiences whose lives he touched through his extraordinary gift of music, boundless passion, enduring love, and infectious humor.

A life so richly lived deserves to be celebrated and remembered with gratitude.

Professor Jimerson will be laid to rest at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon.