Obituary -- Vickie Jane Kimble 1960-2014

Vickie Jane Kimble was born on November 15, 1960 in Maryville, Missouri to Larry and Mary Ellen (James) Kimble. Sixteen months later she was joined by her brother Kurtis.

From day one she assigned herself the responsibility of caring for her brother. Over the years they shared all things – toys, friends, school activities, farm chores, secrets, problems, achievements, and love for each other. Vickie's interest in medicine was evident early in her life. She cared for any injured pet or bird, removed splinters for Kurtis, applied Band-Aids, wrapped ankles for the athletes, etc. It was pretty much assumed she was headed for a career in medicine.

In a tragic accident in 1977, at the age of 16, Vickie suffered third degree burns over 63 percent of her body. She spent the following three months in the Burn Unit at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. While there she underwent eleven surgeries (debriding, skin grafts and whole blood transfusions). In later months she had six corrective surgeries. After this experience Vickie's interest in medicine faded and, seemingly, died. As she said "I never want to see the inside of a hospital again."

Vickie attended Northwest Missouri State University for three semesters. She returned home for one semester for peace, solitude and direction. During this time, her interest in medicine had been rekindled. She enrolled in Missouri Methodist School of Nursing in St. Joseph, Missouri, graduating in 1983 as a registered nurse. She later earned her BS in Nursing from Missouri Western State University. Having an insatiable appetite for learning she continued her education by earning a Master's Degree as a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner. Post Master's Degree was earned as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. These degrees were from University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC). Vickie's work in the medical field was rewarding to both her and her patients. She worked in Home Health in a five county area in northwest Missouri; many years at the Missouri State Mental Hospital in St. Joseph; Health Clinic at Northwest Missouri State University; Northwest Medical Clinic in St. Joseph; and as Psychiatric Nurse at Lucas County Hospital in Chariton, Iowa.

She was devastated when her declining health required her to quit working. She loved her work, she loved her patients, and she was good at what she did. She had never once complained nor stated resentment about having cancer until it took such a toll on her body that she had to quit the work she loved.

In 1988, Vickie's son, Payden Cale Harris was born. He brought joy, happiness, humor, and the sense of pride that comes with parenthood. Payden has the same beautiful brown eyes as his mother. And Vickie's brown eyes would sparkle and shine when she was with Payden or when she talked about him. He was her pride and joy. She once said all she ever needed and wanted from this life was the love of her son.

After a two year long hard, fought battle against cancer, on September 16, 2014, Vickie Jane flew from the pain and heartache of this world into the loving, waiting arms of Grandma Evelyn and Grandma Maxine. She knew Grandpa Jim and Grandpa Frank would be there too all waiting for her arrival in Heaven. As the old hymns say "what a glorious reunion that will be!" Preceding Vickie in death were her maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Victor "Jim" James and paternal grandparents, Maxine and Frank Kimble.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Payden Cale Harris (fiancé Brittany Bahr) of Kansas City, Mo.; parents, Larry and Mary Ellen (James) Kimble of Grant City, Mo.; brother, Kurtis (Laura) Kimble of Maryville, Mo.; nieces, Ashten and Aubrey Kimble of Maryville, Mo; niece, Adria (Justin) and children Avery, Barrett, Maci, Madi of Trenton, Missouri; nephew Jesse Meek, currently serving in the U.S. Army in Kosovo; aunt, Becky James of Des Moines, Iowa; uncle Lewis (Maria) James of San Antonio, Texas; cousins, Angie (Bob) Radloff and sons, Jay and Drew of Woodbine, Iowa, Scott (Jeane) Keplinger and children Anna, Ellen and Graham of West Des Moines, Iowa; many relatives, friends and fellow medical personnel. Memorials may be established in her name.