Former resident, Jamie Rae Kearns died unexpectedly after a brief hospitalization on October 26, 2023 in Aurora, CO. Her two sons and ex-husband were by her side as she passed quietly and without pain.
Jamie was born in Pasadena, California in September, 1971 to Chip and Pamela Kearns. She lived in the San Gabriel Valley until 1987 when she moved with her family to Jackson, Wyoming where she attended her Junior year at Jackson Hole High School. After working that summer at the Crescent H Ranch, she decided to move back to South Pasadena to finish her senior year. She graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1989. She stayed in Southern California until 1991 when she returned to Jackson.
That summer she worked at the Minit Stop Deli and met her future husband, Randall Homan. After leaving the Minit Stop she became the nanny for the Shepherd girls, Henley and Shelby. In January, 1993 she left Jackson to attended Idaho State University in Pocatello for the next two years. In 1995 she and Randy left Wyoming and moved to Greenville, NC to attend East Carolina University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. Her first few years as a teacher were spent at Southern Pines Middle School followed by West End Elementary.
Jamie and Randy were married in 1998 in Jackson, WY but stayed in Seven Lakes, NC where their two sons were born. In 2011 they all moved from North Carolina to Steamboat Springs, CO where Jamie taught at various schools around the county.
Jamie was preceded in death by her grandparents Chuck and Penny Kearns, Theresa Albert, and her father Chip Kearns who passed in 2012. She has left behind her two sons, Mason Homan and Davis Homan, her brother, Corby Kearns, his wife Esther, sons Lakota and Ivers and her mother long time Jackson resident Pamela Kearns along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Jamie was loved by all who knew her especially her students and fellow teachers. Her friends, relatives and colleagues shared the following tributes to her memory:
- Always Happy to see us with a smile on her face. Wonderful Personality
- A beautiful soul, she loved everyone especially her kids. She was kind and so much fun to be around.
- Growing up I felt at ease in her presence. It was comforting for me to have her as a friend. There was always something very solid in the friendship she offered, to everyone
- Beautiful young lady.
- …made me laugh and fee loved and part of the family. Wish I had more time with her.
- …she made me feel less alone and more normal. I did not have to be perfect for her…
- A smart and sassy girl, a lovely young woman, and gifted educator.
- She had an ease about her, giving her the ability to make one feel safe, valued, trusted, and loved. We shared many laughs and spent many hours talking about anything and everything.
- always there for her friends when they needed her the most even though she had her own family and workload to attend to. Definately a one of kind lifetime friend that will be truly missed and never forgotten
- stood up for what she believed in. She will be so missed!!!
- Jamie was always up for an adventure.
- She had the biggest heart and loved children so much! Loved my or should I say her daughter Caroline like she was part of the Homan family! Great memories on Overlook Drive
- I remember Jamie as the leader of the pack of the kids on the hill, Corby, Kristen, Kara, Danny, Stevie, and Joey. They had so much fun and a great deal of freedom to just be kids.
- happy girl zipping around the Minit Stop Deli
- A beautiful person, filled with vim and vigor
- Jamie knew how to distract me from the bad by creating nothing but good
- As a mother, her love knew no bounds; often putting others needs above her own. Her two sons were her pride and joy, and she nurtured them with love, patience, and understanding.
A memorial celebration of her life is planned for the middle of June, 2024 after her youngest son’s high school graduation from Steamboat Springs High School. She was loved by all that knew her especially the animals in her life. Rest in peace dearest Jamie.
