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Janice Kimmel Obituary
June 18, 1943 - February 27, 2025
Sacramento, California - With heavy hearts, we gather to celebrate the life of Janice L. Kimmel, 81, of Sacramento, CA, who left us on February 27, 2025. A beloved wife, nurturing mother, adoring grandmother, and cherished friend, Janice's kindness and warmth positively influenced the lives of everyone she encountered.
Janice was born in 1943 in Oakland, CA, and moved to Sacramento in 1950. She grew up as an only child and met her lifelong partner, Jack, in 1958 during Spanish class at McClatchy High School. After graduating in 1964 from Sacramento State College with a degree in Education, Janice married Jack after six years of dating.
She began her teaching career at Edward Kimball Elementary School, inspiring young minds in kindergarten. Janice, a devoted homemaker, raised her two daughters, Sally and Nancy, in the Sierra Oaks neighborhood. She actively volunteered in school activities and created the Sierra Oaks Babysitting Coop, which fostered community connections and friendships.
As her children grew, Janice engaged more with the Sacramento community, participating in organizations such as the American Association of University Women and the Rotary Club's Inner Wheel. Her love for travel led her to a 40-year career as a travel consultant, initially at Wood's World of Travel, followed by launching her own business, Adventure Club Travel.
Janice organized numerous group trips around the world, from safaris in Africa to golf outings in Scotland. She also founded the "Adventure Club," a close-knit group that enjoyed various thrilling excursions and deepened friendships through shared experiences. Janice's adventurous spirit created cherished memories and a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Janice, Jack, and their family enjoyed vacationing together. In her very busy and adventurous life, Janice always prioritized her family, making a conscious effort to be present in the lives of her children and grandchildren, even though they lived outside of California. She shared a truly special and close relationship with her daughters and each of her grandchildren, attending school sports events, graduations and special events.
Janice is survived by loving family, husband Jack Kimmel, daughters Sally Henrich and Nancy Christopher, son-in-law Jamie Christopher and grandchildren Jack and Brad Henrich and Lucy, Haley and Lexie Christopher. As we say goodbye, let us celebrate the remarkable life Janice lived and the joy she brought to all. May we honor her memory by carrying forward her kindness and passion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Mercy Foundation (https://give.mercyhealthfoundation.net/) or Salvation Army (https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give). Both organizations were close to Janice's heart.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m. at Fremont Presbyterian Church. 5770 Carlson Dr, Sacramento CA 95819.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Sacramento Bee from Mar. 19 to Mar. 28, 2025.
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Carol Misterly (Boice)
It is with the utmost sadness that I have to say "goodbye and rest in peace" to a dear classmate. Janice was so genuine, natural, accomplished, and an all-round good person. I am glad that our paths crossed starting at McClatchy, later on a visit to my Newport Beach home with her husband Jack, then on and off occasional correspondence over the years. We had lunch together before the 50th Class Reunion where we had fun comparing travel notes. Janice lived a wonderful life with her loving family and was a "giving" person. My sincere condolences go out to Jack, their daughters, and grandchildren. Love, Carol Misterly Boice
Martha Weid (Pietrek)
I have found memories of Janice from our years at Sacramento State and our friendship after college until her passing. We became close friends in 1960 and remained in touch until shortly before her passing. She was in my wedding party in 1963, and gave me a baby shower in 1966 before the birth of my first son. Janice, Barbara Johnson (also at 1960 McClatchy graduate), and I were best friends our four years at Sac State. I did not see her often because I did not live in Sacramento very much once I graduated from college. When my family did visit my parents in Sacramento, we often got together for dinner. We kept in touch over the years, and I always enjoyed her her Christmas cards with family photos and newsy notes about their travel. I was talking to my daughter recently and I mentioned I did not get a Christmas card from Janice in December. The last time I talked to her on the phone she told me that she had a medical issue that did not sound good. I recently learned that she had passed away earlier this year. She was like a sister to me when we attended college, and I enjoyed getting to know her parents.
Rest in peace, dear friend. You lived a long, full life , and the world is a better place because of you.
Jon-Alan Manning
Jack, Janice and I have been friends forever. I was in their wedding and that was when I met Joan Tracy and she and I became good friends, but have lost contact over the years. Janice was a wonderful woman, a great mother, a good friend and most of all she kept Jack in line. I don't know where Jack would've been in life if it hadn't been for Janice - and me. She made him toe the line and go to work every day. RIP