Curtis Calvin Jamison

Mr. Curtis Calvin Jamison, age 72, transitioned to eternal rest at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on Sunday, February 8, 1948 to Mrs. Betty Mae Hughes and Mr. Ellious R. Jamison in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Curtis enjoyed working on Grandfather George Jamison’s farm, along with his father. Curtis developed many agricultural and practical skills, being one of the eldest of a blended family of over 15 children. Curtis was a creative, responsible, and hardworking child, even assisting his mother with the home birth of his sister. He acquired the nickname “Dip” because his tall stature required him to dip under their home’s doorframes. Curtis attended the Attala County Public Schools and graduated from Kosciusko’s Tipton High School in May 1969. He was employed at F.S. Langeskemp Metal Warehouse & Manufacturing Company in Mississippi for three years prior to enlisting in the Marines. Curtis continued his education in the military, and later completed industrial maintenance courses at Indiana Vocational Technical College in 1982-1983. Curtis, a proud Marine, enlisted in Kosciusko in August 1971. He graduated basic training in January 1972 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina and was one of only 12 African Americans in his Platoon. Curtis served active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War Era and served in the Marine Reserves. His entry rank was a Private, and his specialty was in Freight Operations Management. Curtis was based out of Kansas City, Missouri and Camp Pendleton, California, among other locations. His last duty assignment was at Camp SD Butler Marine Corps Base in Okinawa, Japan. Curtis' decorations included the Rifle Marksman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was Honorably discharged in August 1977 at the Lance Corporal rank. Curtis’ employment history highlights his consistency, creativity, and hard work. His first position in Indianapolis was in Vehicle Maintenance/Driver for the B&F Beverage Company (1975-1981). For over 18 years Curtis specialized in carpentry, designing and transporting parade floats, special event displays, and store fixtures to showcase a variety of products and services. He was employed by Hamilton Exhibits, Kreative Koncepts, Events Unlimited, and Exhibits Decorator companies during this period (1985-2003). Curtis was especially proud of his work for the Super Bowl, Indy 500 Mile Race, Circle City Classic, Circle of Lights, 1987 Panama American Games, and other major national events, concerts, and conventions. He enjoyed the opportunity to travel, mingle with celebrities, drive parade floats, and showcase his award-winning creations. Curtis also served as a Trustee in the Carpenter’s Union #1788. Curtis was employed at the Indianapolis Airport Authority from November 2004 until his retirement in August 2018. While officially working in building maintenance, he walked all over the airport, spotted celebrities, and rarely took a vacation or sick day during his tenure.

Curtis met the love of his life, Ms. Charlester Roberts in 1981, whom he affectionately named his “Doll Baby”. They married on September 5, 1987 in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at her parents’ home. Curtis and Charlester were best friends for over 39 years and shared the love of numerous creative ventures, such as soul food culinary, music, the arts, carpentry, puzzles, and walking. Curtis was baptized at an early age in Kosciusko and was a devoted Christian. In the 1980s he reaffirmed his faith and was baptized by Dr. Raymond F. Hiser at New Haven Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Under the pastorate of Dr. Hiser, Curtis faithfully served as a Deacon-in-Training, Senior Choir member, and was a strong supporter of his wife’s youth department initiatives. The 23rd Psalm was a favorite scripture, and he enjoyed both traditional and contemporary gospel music artists. Curtis was often described as having a strong, long suffering, and quiet spirit. He rarely complained about his health or the challenges he encountered during his life’s journey. Curtis was a resident of Kesslerwood Assisted Living Center at the time of his passing, where he was known for his humor, friendship, and volunteerism to assist the staff and fellow residents. He particularly enjoyed the Center’s special events and field trips. “CJ”, as he was fondly known, was a mastermind puzzle solver whose patience and strategy would never permit him to be defeated by a puzzle, regardless of the size or complexity. Mr. Curtis C. Jamison is survived by his beloved Wife of 33 years, Mrs. Charlester Roberts Jamison; Mother-in-law Mrs. Dorothy B. Ogburn Roberts; Brother-in-law Mr. David A. Roberts; Sister-in-law Dr. Theresa L. Roberts; Niece Ms. Dakota D. Mitchell; and, Great Nephews Danzel Deondre’ Lee and Jamir Raheel Mitchell. He is also survived by his Roberts, Jamison, and Hughes extended family. Curtis was predeceased by his Father-in-law Deacon Charles A. Roberts, his parents and grandparents, and several of his siblings. Curtis is survived by his Godson, Deacon Dayvid H. Brown, CEO of Nu Birth Behavioral Services. Deacon Brown was Curtis’ social worker, advocate, and friend. He was instrumental and faithful in ensuring Curtis’ quality of life for the last two years. Deacon Brown has been a special blessing whose compassion, patience, professionalism, and ministry was truly an answer to our family’s prayers. The Jamison/Roberts family extends our sincere gratitude to the Kesslerwood Assisted Living Center and Heritage Hospice staff for their professional care and devoted service. We truly appreciate Pastor Charles E. Bridgewater, First Lady Pamela Bridgewater, and the Living Water Missionary Baptist Church for their prayers and assistance throughout this journey. We are also thankful for the compassionate support of our extended family and dear friends, who are a special source of strength and support. Curtis was truly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life service for Curtis C. Jamison will be held at a future date. Final arrangements were entrusted to Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN.