Robert Lee "Bob" Jimison Jr.

Robert "Bob" Lee Jimison, Jr.

May 22, 1952 – October 17, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Lee Jimison, Jr., on the morning of Friday, October 17th, 2025, following a long journey with vascular dementia. Bob was born on May 22nd, 1952, to Ruth and Robert Jimison in San Fernando, California.

Bob graduated from Lynwood High School, where he was known for his mischievous sense of humor-most notably for creating a fictitious student, "Mel Famey," to help him and his friends get out of trouble. Often compared to his favorite Disney character, Goofy, Bob carried his playful spirit throughout his life and became legendary for his elaborate April Fools' jokes.

He studied biochemistry at UCLA before moving to San Francisco, where he worked in sleep research for the VA and later at a veterinary hospital, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). While working on Lombard Street, he met and married Dr. Melody Herder.

Fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a veterinary hospital, Bob and Melody purchased a small shopping center practice in 1993. During that time, he also worked as a research associate at UCSF. In November 2001, Bob's vision came to life when he and Melody opened Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital-a freestanding facility that Bob designed and helped build himself. After retiring from UCSF in 2002, he devoted himself fully to managing the hospital.

Bob's passions were many. He loved photography and was an avid gardener, especially fond of growing orchids. He raised Phalaenopsis orchids for years in the beautiful greenhouses he built in both Oakland and Martinez. Ever the devoted family man, Bob was a supportive "roadie" for his family's musical and community activities-serving as chaperone, photographer, and equipment hauler for the Contra Costa Children's Choir, house manager for Cantare Con Vivo, and "walker stalker" for breast cancer walks. He also found joy in coaching baseball and refereeing soccer.

Faith was an anchor in Bob's life. He was deeply committed to his parish, St. Catherine of Siena in Martinez, where he served in the RCIA program, on the Liturgy Committee, as a Lector, and as a member of the Arts and Environment team.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Melody; his son David, daughter-in-law Beth, and grandson Leo; his daughter Sarah, son-in-law Randy, and granddaughter Rory; as well as his brother, Ron Jimison, and cousin, Billy Wagnor.

Please join us in celebrating Bob's life, humor, and kindness at his Celebration of Life service on Friday, November 21st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Martinez. Following interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery St. Cecelia Chapel family and friends are encouraged to gather at our home 127 Costanza Drive, Martinez to continue to celebrate his life.