- Date Of Birth: May 1, 1922
- Date Of Death: May 5, 2013
- State: Idaho
Jacketta (Jackie) Scarborough has passed into the open arms of God to rest on May 5, 2013 having lived for ninety-one years loving and giving to others.
Jacketta Gilchrist Scarborough was born to Alexander and Catherine Gilchrist in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on May 1, 1922. Jackie loved her childhood in Kemmerer. It was at that time a busy mining community that was brought to life by the diverse cultures of its citizens. Their interactions developed Jackie’s excitement to learn about the world and the people in different countries. Her questions were answered through her love of reading, which she enjoyed all her life. Jackie was a leader in school, and her popularity was best demonstrated by her being named Miss Kemmerer.
Growing up in the depression only fueled her creative talents and self-reliance. She worked at many jobs to assist her parents. One most memorable was her position with the first store established by Mr. James Cash Penney, which happened to be in Kemmerer. Later, after her own children had grown, she again would work for JC Penny’s. That would be at the JC Penney store at the then-new Karcher Mall. Thus, working for JC Penny’s would be one of her first and would be her last employment before retiring.
Jackie met the love of her life in Kemmerer. He was a new, young man in town who worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. She married Kermit on October 16, 1942, and they ultimately became the proud parents of three boys—Dennis, Kermit and Jack. Jackie was a devoted mother who volunteered and supported her sons in their scouting, school and athletic activities. Jackie cherished her family over everything else in her life.
Jackie moved to Meridian in 1953 when Kermit was transferred to manage the Union Pacific Depot there. Besides being a loving wife and mother, Jackie loved being outside working in her large yard.
After retirement Jackie and Kermit took the opportunity to travel around the United States and the far East, specifically Japan, to see historic and notable places she had enjoyed reading about throughout her life. One of her particularly favorite destinations was the Northwestern Pacific coast. Here she never tired of walking along the beaches and listening to the thunder of the surf. The coast brought her a special exhilaration but also peace.
Jackie was pre-deceased by her husband, Kermit, son, Dennis and brother, Alexander Gilchrist.
