1977 ~ 2026
Jaimi Shaw Blackham Sowby
April 6, 1977 – April 4, 2026
Jaimi Shaw Blackham Sowby passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, due to lingering health conditions brought on by brain cancer (glioblastoma). She was born on April 6, 1977, in Seattle, Washington, to Col. Benjamin T. Blackham and Sally Elizabeth Briggs Blackham—a birthdate she shared with her father.
During the first 18 years of her life, Jaimi’s family moved around the world as her father served as a dentist in the United States Air Force. This included attending four different high schools in four years. She ultimately graduated from Bitburg High School in Germany.
After many years of packing, moving, and joyful traveling, Jaimi chose Brigham Young University for her higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature in 2000. She later pursued a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix, graduating in 2003, further supporting her passion for teaching and mentoring children.
Jaimi loved learning and the process of teaching. Her time as an educator gave her meaningful opportunities to develop the children in her classrooms, support their parents, and build lasting friendships with colleagues and administrators. She spent countless hours carefully documenting her students’ progress throughout the year, creating beautiful scrapbooks to help them recognize their achievements and build confidence. She wrote her own curriculum units and generously shared creative ideas with fellow teachers. A lifelong learner, Jaimi continually sought opportunities to grow professionally and was widely respected in her field.
On August 1, 2003, Jaimi was married and sealed to Jacob M. Sowby in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built a home grounded in faith in Jesus Christ, joy, and hard work. They supported one another through life’s successes and challenges and deeply cherished their children, Kyli and Asher. Jaimi often expressed her love by saying she loved them “to the moon and back,” a love they continue to return in full.
Jaimi loved Jesus Christ and was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite opportunities to serve were within the Primary organization—especially Nursery—where she shared her love of the Gospel with young children. Though she served faithfully in many callings, her greatest joy was being surrounded by little ones.
She was deeply devoted to her family and thoughtfully cared for her children, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Jaimi was a wonderful cook who loved sharing her creations, and she created a home filled with warmth, peace, and celebration. Holidays in the Sowby home were especially joyful, and anyone who visited was sure to stay for treats and meaningful conversation.
Jaimi’s love of literature was reflected in her academic pursuits and her personal life. She treasured well-written and beautifully illustrated stories, building a personal collection of children’s and young adult books that rivaled many school libraries. She delighted in selecting and gifting the perfect book—and gave away many treasured volumes over the years.
Jaimi is survived by her loving husband, Jacob Sowby; their children, Kyli Shaw (15) and Asher Mark (10); her parents, Ben and Sally Blackham; and her mother-in-law, Dana Sowby. She is also survived by her siblings: Jennifer Stevens (Dan), Heidi Tuita (Rick), Megan Vaisa, Michael Blackham (Heidi), and Mara James (Adnan); and her sister-in-law, SarahAnn Whitbeck. She will be dearly missed by her 19 nieces and nephews, 2 great-nieces, and a wide network of extended family members, friends, and loved ones from church, school, and community. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Ken Sowby.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who supported Jaimi during her final year in Salt Lake and Kirkland.
Services
Friends may pay their respects on Friday, April 17, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Finn Hill Building (7910 NE 132nd St, Kirkland, WA 98034). Suggested dress is business casual.
A second viewing will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00–10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sammamish Valley Stake Center (10115 172nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052), with suggested dress as Sunday best. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. and will last approximately one hour. The service will also be available online: https://zoom.us/j/95878744680
Interment will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Friends may also call on Friday, April 24, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Parley’s 3rd/5th Ward Building (2615 East Stringham Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84109). Suggested dress is business casual.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Bridge of Promise (Jaimi’s favorite local charitable organization) Click the in lieu of flower button above or the link below
https://app.betterunite.com/bridgeofpromise-bridgeofpromisegiving