Joe Kimm - 100 yr old Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame inductee
One of the by-products of my time with Joe last summer has been to be a resource for Jim Anderson who has had a huge passion for seeing my grandfather nominated for consideration as an inductee into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. Last fall, Jim put together an amazing booklet full of biographical information and a list of aircraft Joe has flown along with some of his more important contributions to aviation history. It was a complete package, which he then very kindly copied for members of Joe’s family to have as a keepsake and which we have appreciated greatly ever since.
Jim’s efforts paid off. Late last night, he received notification from Noel Allard, MAHoF Executive Director, that Joe officially is to be an inductee at the April 2012 Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame awards banquet.
Once I was brought into the loop regarding the announcement, Jim and I tested our web camera conferencing capabilities and I called and invited myself to dinner with Joe. Over dessert, I told Joe I had a surprise for him and set up the laptop so that Jim could share his big news. Not too surprisingly, Joe was nearly speechless at learning of the honor and totally thrilled at the opportunity to speak with Jim “face to face.”
This news comes just two weeks ahead of Joe celebrating his 100th birthday, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect. April is a ways off we know, but I also know that Joe is likely to derive a great deal of enjoyment over this well-earned honor for a long time.
Happy Birthday x 100, Joe!
Hi Joe,
I am Jim Anderson’s Mother and because I have showed an interest in Jim’s Northwest Airline Collection of Memorbilia He has shared his contact with you with me since the beginning of your friendship with him. He is so-o-o proud and happy knowing you. (Me,too,via Jim) I, too, am happy that Jim has been able to be a small part of Joe finally being recognized by being nominated for NWA Hall of Fame. Congrats Joe!
Kimm, Great idea, and great job! We haven’t seen you or Joe for many years, though we did see your mom a few years go in Seattle, and your dad and I correspond infrequently on email. We are looking forward to more posts from the interview!
Your big friends,
Bob & Gretchen
Joe, is my great uncle. I would love to get a hold of a copy of this bio.