Obituary: Jacqueline Jaye Gemmell
Provided Photo
September 8, 1960 – October 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacqueline Jaye Gemmell (J.J.), age 64, of Vail, Colorado. J.J. passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, after a period of illness with thymic carcinoma. J.J. was born on September 8, 1960, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She graduated from Kingswood School Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (Class of 1978), and studied fine arts at Parsons School of Design in New York City and received her BFA from Western Michigan University.
It is no secret that J.J. was extremely talented. She was a nationally ranked ski racer, member of the U.S. Junior National Team, a perennial boot and ski tester for SKI Magazine, and graced the cover of SKIING Magazine as a Grand Marnier Championship racer. Following in her mother’s footsteps, JJ was both a model and fashion designer. She was featured in Seventeen Magazine upon winning an international sewing contest and outfitted the U.S. Ski Team with custom leather jackets for the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships. She was also a master seamstress and put her talent to work at Axel’s and Fantasia Furs in Vail, and stringing gondola cables as a Master Mechanic for CTEC, Inc. For nearly 30 years, J.J. was a ski instructor at Vail/Beaver Creek Ski School, and in the offseason at Falls Creek Resort in Australia, including as a cherished private instructor for many families and for individuals with adaptive needs.
JJ was the truest of friends, passionate in all that she did and giving to anyone in need. As a senior AA Sponsor, she worked with countless individuals to help them achieve a second chance at life. J.J. lived life with enthusiasm and grace, and with her effervescent smile shined a ray of light that touched everyone she met. J.J. will be dearly missed and always remembered.
J.J. was preceded in death by her loving father and mother John and Peggy Gemmell. She is survived by her brother Tom Gemmell and her daughter Kaeli Gemmell, among many other precious family members and friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, 3:00-5:00 PM, at Vail Interfaith Chapel. All are welcome to celebrate JJ’s life.
