Jim Wiersema was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 31, 1941. He got his Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois, and married fellow graduate JoAnn on May 30, 1964. They moved to Texas in 1967 and Jim continued further graduate work. In 1987 he started Horizon Environmental Services. They have two children, Jason a forensic anthropologist for the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Jared an archeologist for Horizon. Jim and JoAnn became grandparents for the first time on August 28th, 2007. As well as having an avid interest in gems and minerals, Jim also likes to go fishing and work on various projects in his shop.

 One of Jim and JoAnn’s greatest contributions to the club has been that they donate the printing of  The Stone Chipper every month, which has been a tremendous savings for the AGMS. Jim has also been a board member and in that capacity he helped the club by attending the City of Austin Zoning Committee meetings to ensure that AGMS property was correctly zoned for its use. Jim has supported the annual show by volunteering in several positions. 

Thank you Jim for giving so freely of your time, and congratulations for being selected as an AGMS Patron Award winner for 2007.

JoAnn Wiersema was also born in Chicago, Illinois on October 9, 1941. She attended Northern Illinois University and after receiving her Master’s Degree the family moved to Texas where she worked as a toxicologist for the State of Texas for many years. She is now president of Horizon Environmental Services. JoAnn has a keen interest in gems and minerals. She also loves to read murder mysteries and her son Jared believes she only has a few more to go before she has read them all. The Wiersema’s sons, Jason and Jared, believe they ended up with “seriously the best possible parents in the world!”

 JoAnn has given her time to serve as a board member and has also been Secretary for the club. Margaret Wetherell says that when she was President of the club and JoAnn was Secretary, she could always depend on her to be willing to help out. She has helped with the Dealer Dinner and volunteered in several positions at the annual show.   

Thank you JoAnn for your dedication to the club, and congratulations for being selected as an AGMS Patron Award winner for 2007.

 Jared Wiersema feels that this award will mean a lot to his parents. He and his brother Jason would like to thank everyone for their recognition of two very wonderful people.