On Sunday our beloved Jim, husband, father, papa, brother and uncle slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter silvered wings.

 

Jim had many passions in his life; his wife Gayle, with whom he shared the ups and downs, give and take, and enduring love that makes a marriage work for 52 years. His 3 children; Jane, Ryan and Joan, all so individual in their personality and talents, but his pride and unconditional love for them was unending. His grandchildren, who brought joy and laughter into his life. His sister Dale, with whom he shared a close-knit relationship growing up. His extended family: In-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. His friends; some of many years and some just realized….and of course, we can’t forget his furry doggy friends.

Jim worked at the YMHA for 32 years, empowering people of all ages, and physical and mental capabilities to reach their full potential.

For a short period, he was employed at Kern Hill Furniture, where Nick and June Hill treated him like family.

He then gave his talents to Crescentwood Community Centre for 15 years, facilitating the amalgamation of 3 centres into the Tri-Corydon Community Centre, and also working with Winnipeg #1 School Division to enable community access to the Sheila Sweatman Gymnasium at Queenston School.

Not content with having a full time career, Jim also DJ’d or was on call on the weekends for his company, Partie Sound Music Services.

His passion for hockey started with coaching community club teams at Deer Lodge and Westdale Community Centres, APHA Rangers; Then with Charleswood Hawks and St. James Canucks of the Major Junior Hockey League, leading both to become league champions, the Hawks with son Ryan on the team in 1994 and the Canucks to their only championship in 1998. He was named Winnipeg Chair of the World Junior Hockey Tournament in 1999 and worked tirelessly to make it a big success, continuing on after to administer the Legacy Fund.

He was a concerned and responsible citizen, participating in elections municipally, provincially and federally; either managing a campaign or volunteering for the candidate he felt would best serve the interest of their constituents.

Jim was committed to actively serve in the communities where he lived by volunteering as: President of Westdale Community Centre, President of Belair Property Owners Association, member of the Winnipeg Ambulance Board, Chair of South Winnipeg Seniors Association , to name a few.

He loved playing the keyboard and his beloved Hammond organ. He was a graduate of Red River College; a member of the committee awarded - Order of the Buffalo Hunt, and proud recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Jim and Gayle loved to travel and trekked far and wide, attending Ryan and Joan’s hockey and ringette tournaments in Canada and the USA, and also as groupies with Cheryhl and Jim Corrie, following Jane’s “Carson City” country rock band.

They visited good friend Susan in her many moves – Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, with Easters spent at the Canadian Consulate in Minneapolis, enjoying sister Lenore’s butterscotch pies!

5 Trips to England re-acquainted them with English relatives and provided pure enjoyment, traversing the countryside, seeing the sites.

Jim’s sudden passing has left an unfillable void in his family’s lives, but the memories and stories will be re-told many times over to remind us of his quirky sense of humour, his passions and his great love for all of us.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in stories and condolences for the family by using the comment section on this page.

 

A celebration of life will be held at Crescentwood Community Centre, 1170 Corydon Avenue, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 5, 2019.

 

For those who wish, donations may be made to Siloam Mission or a charity of your choice.

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