Shannon Jay Gimenes' Obituary
Shannon Jay Gimenes, age 56, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024. He was born April 8, 1968, in San Bernardino, CA, and eventually found his way to Michigan, graduating from Flushing High School. Right after high school, Shannon joined the U.S. Army and served a tour in Desert Storm. On August 21, 2004, he married Barbara Achterhoff.
Upon returning from Military service, he spent 13 years at YMCA Camp Copneconic as a counselor, health officer, and Teen Adventure trip director. He then made his way to West Michigan and YMCA Camp Pendalouan, where he continued his passion for teaching kids about the outdoors and challenging them on the high ropes course. It was at Pendalouan where he met the love of his life, Barbara. Shannon had a passion for helping at-risk kids both through the YMCA and as a Youth Specialist for Muskegon County Juvenile Detention Center. Shannon loved being out in nature and would often spend hours out in the woods enjoying what nature had to offer. He liked classic cars, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and watching his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Nothing matched any time he could spend watching his sons compete in athletics, video games or adventuring outdoors creating memories. The impact that Shannon had on those who knew him and the kids he has helped over the years will be felt for many years to come.
Shannon will be dearly missed by his wife, Barbara; sons, Logan, Jase, and Owen; brothers, Fred (Tammy) Gimenes and Jason (Jamie) Halstead; and Father Nilton (Sandy) Gimenes. He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta J. Gimenes and sister, Lola Wilber, his niece Sigrid, and stepbrother.
A FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11 AM on Friday, November 1, 2024, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444) and VISITATION with the family 1 hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made in honor of Shannon to provide for the future of his boys.
The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Gimenes family. To share special memories with the family and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.sytsemafh.com.
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