In Requiem: Commodore Jimmie Homburg

Jimmie Homburg, former National Commodore, passed away on December 25, 2025. Commodore Homburg embodied the finest virtues of Sea Scouts BSA. Before stepping into national leadership, Jimmie played a pivotal role in Sea Scouting across Texas, contributing tirelessly to local programs, and sharing her passion for our organization with youth across the country.

As National Commodore from October 1998 to October 2008, Jimmie guided the program through significant milestones: the 90th Anniversary of Sea Scouts, the most comprehensive revision of the Sea Scout Manual in 2000, and a period of growth marked by her passion for modernized marketing materials.

Jimmie was a trailblazer. As the first and only woman to serve as National Commodore, her leadership reflected the inclusive spirit of Sea Scouts, which has been co-ed for 26 years, long before Venturing in 1998 or Scouts BSA’s full integration in 2019. Among her many innovations, she forged a groundbreaking partnership in 2002 between Sea Scouts and the United States Power Squadrons (now America’s Boating Club), alongside Roberta Dougherty and Don Clark. This collaboration led to the creation of the prestigious Finley Award in 2004, honoring joint leadership and community service, a vision Jimmie championed with the Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America).

Her commitment to expanding opportunities for youth was evident in her support for the Koch Cup, which welcomed international participation, and in her instrumental role in launching the Sea Scout Experience Advanced Leadership (SEAL) course in 1996, years ahead of the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) introduced in 2006. Even after her tenure, Jimmie continued to shape the program, attending a landmark integrated workshop at Philmont in 2019 that united volunteers and staff from Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing.

Commodore Homburg truly loved Scouting. Speaking to over 400 Sea Scouts at the Ancient Mariner Regatta, she reminded every Scout that they were important and special. Her remarkable ability to remember names and make people feel seen left a lasting impression. One skipper recalled that after meeting her only once, she greeted him by name years later.

Jimmie worked tirelessly to elevate Sea Scouts, focusing on awareness through impactful events and publications. Her legacy is one of vision, kindness, and unwavering dedication.

Please join us in extending heartfelt condolences to Commodore Homburg’s family and friends.

Memorial arrangements are pending.