Article Number : 4343 |
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| Date | 4/1/2009 9:18:59 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4343 |
| Abstract | ARLINGTON, TEX.—She was kind, compassionate, generous and always looked out for the best interest of installers everywhere. Known as Jodi to her friends and the industry, Joetta BlueJacket died at her home here Feb. 7 after a battle with lung cancer. She was 62... |
| Article | ARLINGTON, TEX.—She was kind, compassionate, generous and always looked out for the best interest of installers everywhere. Known as Jodi to her friends and the industry, Joetta BlueJacket died at her home here Feb. 7 after a battle with lung cancer. She was 62. BlueJacket was born in Tuba City, Ariz. After spending many years on the Navajo reservation, her family moved to Oklahoma, where she attended school in Muskogee and Wyandotte. She eventually moved to the Arlington/Grand Prairie, Tex., region and in 1992 purchased Installation Management Systems (IMS), an installation workshop. From day one, she understood the importance of quality installation and making sure her employees were at the top of their profession. “Jodi was a true friend to hundreds of flooring installers,” said Roy Davison, president of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI). “She stressed the importance of education by including those who represented IMS in all area educational events, and all the installers who worked became certified. Because of the company’s reputation, IMS was called upon by most manufacturers when a job required special attention or problems needed to be resolved in the area.” BlueJacket became a CFI associate member in 1994 and in 1996 was elected to the organization’s board, where she served three terms. She also was CFI convention director for several years and hosted the association’s 13th annual convention here. “From the first day I met her, Jodi continuously promoted CFI to advance awareness for quality installation,” said Jim Walker, CFI’s CEO. “To increase membership, she wrote articles, called area store and workroom owners, approached major corporations and hosted installation meetings. She always supported CFI through her business as well as her personal contributions.” Along with taking pride in her installers, BlueJacket was proud of her American Indian heritage and worked tirelessly to help raise the levels of training and education. Walker said she continued this right up to the end. John McHale, CFI’s director of operations, said, “Jodi was best known for her generosity and kindness, especially toward those who attended the CFI convention for the first time. It was her monetary gift to each one that provided the opportunity for the ‘First Timers’ to participate in all events.” Tony Buckardt, chairman of CFI’s certification committee, noted, “For years, many CFI installers who have faced death and severe illness have been the recipients of her love.” As a tribute to her generosity and support, last year CFI presented her with an “Honorary Jacket,” which is awarded to those who give above and beyond to help others. BlueJacket is survived by her two sons, Johnny and Tony; sisters, Judy Brown, Janice Brossett and Jeanette BlueJacket, and brother, Jeffrey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in her memory to the George Buckhardt Memorial Foundation, an organization to help flooring installers during difficult times. Send donations to the George Buckhardt Memorial Foundation, c/o Tony Buckhardt, 6620 County Road 64, Saint Joe, IN 46785. |