Jill Annette Fox, age 62, longtime Ferndale resident, won her battle against cancer and received her reward with Jesus on Saturday, June 27, 2015. She valiantly fought against chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for over 13 years.
Jill was born in Bellingham on Jan. 2, 1953, to John W. Gamlen and M. June (Balfour) Gamlen. She was raised in North Bellingham, where she attended Ferndale schools and was a 1971 graduate of Ferndale High School. On June 9, 1972, she married James F. “Jim” Fox. The couple resided in Kirkland for two years and Skykomish for four years before returning to Whatcom County, where they lived in Bellingham and then Ferndale for many years.
Jill had been employed at Meridian High School as the principal’s secretary for some time, and then as head secretary at Sehome High School for many years. She had a love for children and particularly enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and nieces. She was active in her home church, Whatcom New Life Assembly of Ferndale. She and her husband, Jim, served in many roles in children’s ministries, including kids’ church, day camps and Sunday school. Jill also served as secretary for Pastor Arlen Benson for a number of years. She had creative talents and enjoyed crafts. Her passion for all things Disney was well-known.
In later years, Jill sang in the gospel group the Gamlens. She had a deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she now can see face to face.
Jill is survived by her loving and devoted husband Jim, of the family home in Ferndale; three sons and their families: Brenton Fox and wife Amy of Ferndale, Rev. Adam Fox and wife Erica of Spokane; and Rev. Andy Fox and wife Stephanie of Ferndale; eight grandchildren: Ariana, Colton, Mikayla, Ellie, Tyler, Josiah, Jilly and Emma; sister Heidi Kuzina and husband Paul of Oak Harbor; brother Rev. Paul Michael Gamlen and wife Janell of Lynnwood; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. She is also survived by an adoptive daughter, Theresa Fox of Bellingham.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of life will be in Whatcom New Life Assembly, 2290 Main St., Ferndale, on Friday, July 3, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. with pastor Arlen Benson officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Whatcom New Life Assembly Children’s Ministries or to the CLL Foundation, c/o Hayden Burns, Director, 1721 North Blvd., Houston, TX 77098.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories or condolences and www.whidbeymemorial.com.
