Jill Marie Kammer's Obituary
Jill Marie Kammer, age 66, of Kimball Twp., passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer, while surrounded by her loving family on June 16, 2024.
Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Joan Giffer and John T. Giffer, Sr.
Jill graduated from St. Clair High School in 1976. In 1979, she married Tom Kammer, her high school sweetheart, celebrating 45 years of marriage this year. It was no secret the two were meant to be together. They had a great partnership—the humor, work ethic, and love they shared was evident always.
Jill started her career at local print shops in the late ‘70s as a self-taught typesetter. She later acquired degrees in Printing Tech and Marketing. From there she embarked on a second career as a senior print producer at the metro-Detroit automotive advertising agencies, commuting to work for almost 30 years. The last three years of her career she worked as a project manager in advertising. Jill loved her work, especially working with the newer recruits. More importantly, she often said that her work gave her the means to help those she loved. She retired from the work world in early 2024.
Throughout the summers, you’d likely see Tom and Jill wandering the classic car shows. They especially looked forward to their annual trip to the Frankenmuth Auto Fest where, for many years, they enjoyed hanging out with friends and wandering the park admiring all the classics, and, of course, showing off Tom’s latest project.
Jill was the one to initiate many of the family gatherings… large or small, near or far, those get-togethers meant the world to her. And the weekends at the lake cottage were the great escape for Jill and Tom, whether hanging out with the up-north friends who had become family, or hosting guests for a vacation get-away. Tom was always a willing participant to provide the boating and tubing fun for the kids and adults alike.
Over the years, Jill was a loving dog mama to Barney, Tugger and Marty, their beloved collie dogs.
When things needed to get done, Jill was the family’s motivator and strategic thinker. There was no project or problem too large or too small to solve. She was there to provide the lifeline. She was always calm, kind, loving, and generous. And although seemingly practical and serious much of the time, she had a great sense of humor, especially when it came to life’s unpredictable moments.
Jill’s vibrant spirit, unwavering kindness and generous heart, touched the lives of all who knew her.
Jill had very strong faith in God, currently a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Port Huron.
She is survived by her husband, Tom, siblings Mike (Judy) Giffer, Judy (Kim) Schillaci, and John (Chuck) Giffer, along with two generations of nieces and nephews. In addition to family, Jill had close friendships that spanned decades.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 21st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Parish, Port Huron. Visiting hours are Thursday, June 20th from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. A rosary will be offered Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Additional visitation Friday from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at church prior to mass.
Memorials are suggested to Blue Water Hospice or the Blue Water Area Humane Society. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Jill?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jill?
Share a story where Jill's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jill you’ll never forget.
How did Jill make you smile?
