The Eastern Diocese was deeply saddened by the untimely loss of Edward Jamie, Jr., who passed away late last week after a long battle against cancer, at the age of 76. He was a pillar of the Armenian Church community in Bayside, NY, and a leading figure throughout the New York region and the Diocese in general.
After serving his country during the Vietnam war, Edward Jamie followed in his father’s footsteps to become a funeral director; the chapel he operated for 50 years was familiar to every Armenian in the New York region. Most people would come to him professionally at a time of personal bereavement, and Ed was well suited to receive people with compassion and tenderness. But he also approached them with a spirit of friendship that would often last well beyond the funeral services.
In his wife of 51 years, Lynn, Ed found a perfect soul mate who reflected, and even amplified, all of his finest qualities. They raised two children, and were deeply involved in Bayside’s Holy Martyrs Church. Both were always eager to lend their talents to the Diocese. Lynn herself was set to receive the “St. Nersess Shnorhali” medal last month, before the current crisis forced a postponement of the ceremony.
Regrettably Ed and Lynn lost their son Christopher in 2001, as he was preparing to work beside his father in the family business. The Jamie family faced what must have been an inconsolable loss with characteristic grace and courage. Their generosity of spirit never waivered, even in the time of their own crisis. Their outreach to others, especially to their grandson, was a testament to the depth of faith that drove them in every aspect of life.
“Apart from those who were fortunate enough to be personal friends with Ed, countless others encountered him at funerals,” said Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel in a message to church leaders this week. “Ed’s professionalism, his sure and steady manner, and his sincere, understated compassion were a precious source of solace in moments of pain and grief.”
Such was Ed’s gentle, unassuming nature that most people were unaware he had been fighting cancer for some 20 years. He was about to undergo a new round of chemotherapy when he succumbed last week.
Edward Jamie is survived by his wife Lynn, their daughter Marissa, and their grandson Carter. He was predeceased by his son Christopher, next to whom Ed will be laid to rest in a private ceremony next week.
May our risen Lord bless the soul of his servant, and remember him on the great day of his judgment.
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