Meet The Ginman Family
This month, Stroll Inside the Gates spotlights the Ginman family. Dick Ginman was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan and then Richmond, Indiana, while Jerri hails from Malibu, California. Dick attended Williams College in Williamstown, MA, where he graduated with a BS in Economics. He later received his MBA from George Washington University. Jerri, on the other hand, attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she graduated with a BS in Business. She also went on to attend the University of California at Los Angeles.
Dick and Jerri first met in Saratoga Springs while they were both in college. “We actually met on my birthday,” recounts Jerri. “We got to talking and found out that as children we had lived near each other in Michigan and Pennsylvania.” The couple began dating shortly after and have been happily married since 1971.
Dick and Jerri have been blessed with two children and four wonderful grandchildren. Their eldest, Caroline Ginman Limehouse, is married to Dr. John Limehouse MD. Caroline and her husband live in Atlanta with their two children, Charlie (10) and Ellie (8). Alexander Ginman is married to Ellen Wilk Ginman, and they live in Boston with their two daughters, Taylor (9) and Emery (6).
Dick served for 30 years in the United States Navy retiring as a Rear Admiral. Following his Naval career he worked for General Dynamics for six years and then ten years with the Department of Defense in the office of The Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Jerri’s career began in retail management. She held positions with Joseph Magnin and JW Robinson’s in Hawaii and California. She then went on to become the owner of a Residential Interior Design firm for twenty years in Northern Virginia.
Because of Dick’s work, he and Jerri traveled a lot, visiting Asia, Africa, Europe, and many parts of both North and South America. Over the years, they lived in Honolulu, HI, Washington, DC, San Diego, CA, Bremerton, WA, Seal Beach, CA, Rabat, Morocco, Washington, DC, Norfolk, VA, Mendham, NJ, and Atlanta, GA, before they eventually settled down in Eatonton, GA.
From 1982-1984, Dick was a member of the military team at the US Embassy in Rabat, Morocco to assist the Ambassador with the US military relationship with our Moroccan ally. He was required to learn French, and he and Jerri toured the country, fascinated by the culture and scenery. They also took the opportunity to travel and visit many European countries. They enjoyed playing lots of golf on the 54-hole Robert Trent Jones course in Rabat.
The Ginman family’s time in Morocco was one of many unique opportunities that Jerri had, thanks to Dick’s position. She also participated in a submarine dependents’ cruise from Maui to Pearl Harbor with other military wives and family members. “The highlight was climbing up the skinny ladder to the top of the sail,” she adds. “I stuck my head out of the hatch and marveled at the coastline of Maui as the submarine headed out to sea. I also had the opportunity to stand on the flight deck of two aircraft carriers and visit other Navy ships in several ports.”
Jerri first visited Reynolds Lake Oconee in 2006. “My friend in Alexandria, VA was building a home here,” she continues. “At the time, we were planning to retire to Kiawah Island for a beach lifestyle. When we finally retired in 2016 and moved to Atlanta temporarily, we visited Reynolds again. Our family was very excited by the idea of a lake home and enjoying the many activities available here, such as boating, golfing, tennis, fitness classes, and so much more. The first time you arrive at Reynolds the striking scenery just grabs you, as we have all experienced! Everyone welcomes you warmly and there are endless ways to become involved in this wonderful community.” Dick and Jerri have been happy residents of Georgia’s Lake Country since November of 2020.
The Ginman family’s favorite part about life in Reynolds Lake Oconee is the sense of community, the incredible amenities, and the beautiful atmosphere. “We love our neighborhood here in Great Waters and all the incredible social activities here. We have made many friends over the last five years.” Dick and Jerri both love to find opportunities to stay active in The Lake Community. Jerri is happily involved with the Reynolds Ladies Club as Committee Chair, and she is also the Great Waters Ladies Social Event Coordinator. Dick is a member of the Reynold’s Men’s Golf Association, where he served as President from 2024-25.
In her free time, Jerri enjoys Mah Jongg, reading, watercolor painting, and walking. Dick, on the other hand, enjoys golf and poker. The Ginman family also recently celebrated an incredible milestone. Jerri’s mother, Do Dunkel Jerman, celebrated her 100th birthday this June. Do is originally from Gloversville, NY, but she currently lives here in Greensboro. Her family is incredibly grateful to have her here and to celebrate her new status as a centenarian.
