JAMIE LYNN MCKINNEY RUSK's Obituary
After 44 years of sharing her light and love with all of us, Jamie McKinney Rusk passed away on September 12, 2015. Jamie bravely, and with an optimism beyond compare, fought cancer for 8 ½ years. The disease had never met such a foe as Jamie was victorious, experiencing numerous miracles along the way, until the very end. As a survivor, Jamie traveled extensively, lived every day to the fullest, and touched the lives of countless others through her display of courage, tenacity, hope, strength, and, most of all, faith in God.
Jamie’s journey on earth began March 3, 1971 when she entered the world with a spirit, as well as huge brown eyes and an infectious laugh, unlike any other. She was always spunky and certain, and it became immediately clear who was in charge in the McKinney home. For 9 years Jamie was an only child, this changing with the birth of her brother, Andrew. And, then there were four. The McKinneys surrounded themselves with friends and neighbors, enjoyed countless days on their beautiful lake, and experienced all that anyone could ask for through their love and appreciation for each other and their dedication to their church.
A graduate of Coral Gables Senior High School and the University of Florida, she was so proud to be associated with both of these schools. Her enthusiasm for where she was and what she was involved with was always profound. She would never just be a Gator, she was going to be an outspoken Gator and put a flag in front of her house. Jamie would never just attend her high school reunion, she was going to plan it. There was no half-way with Jamie. When she did something, she became a leader, spokesperson and cheerleader – and she made everything better.
Jamie made a tremendous impact on many organizations through her commitment of time and desire to leave a positive mark so that others could benefit. Her most notable charitable achievement is her raising of more than $1 million to benefit Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center where she shared the stage with designer Oscar de la Renta. She also worked so hard for CHARLEE Homes for Children, serving on the board for 5 years; Beaux Arts of the Lowe Art Museum; the Kampong; Plymouth Preschool; and her beloved St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School where she was a proud mom since 2009.
Jamie’s most important legacy was her beautiful marriage to Kevin and her amazing sons. Her “guys” brought her joy beyond anything. She loved being a mother and, without a doubt, her children gave her many more years of life. She leaves behind her husband, Kevin; children, Tyler (8) and Jack (6); parents, Leslie and Jim McKinney; brother Andrew (Jenn); grandmother, Joanne Brown; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends that will miss her beyond measure.
A service will be held this Saturday at 3 p.m. at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables (624 Anastasia Avenue). She had asked that women attendees consider wearing Lilly Pulitzer and black. In lieu of flowers, please visit the Rusk Brothers Education Fund at www.gofundme.com/jamierusk.
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