Obituary of WILFRED GORDON JAMES

WILFRED GORDON JAMES

The family of Wilfred Gordon James announces his passing on December 29, 2018. He is survived by his four children: David (Gloria), Carolyn Townsend (Wayne), Kathy Requeima (Joel) and George (Karin); his 11 grandchildren: Jamie, Lauren, Mark, Victoria, Elizabeth, Andrew, Matthew, Jillian, Jacqueline, Alexander, Patrick, and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Allen Fowlis, nieces and nephews.

Wilfred was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, and his mother and father, Eleanor and George James.

Wilfred was born and raised on the family dairy farm on the outskirts of Transcona. His upbringing taught him the value and the rewards of hard work. Early adulthood saw him attending the University of Manitoba’s Agriculture Diploma program, followed by his return to the family farm. During that time, he enjoyed trips to visit his Uncle Roland and Aunt Etta in Detroit. One of those visits would change and shape his future in a way he would reflect on and marvel about all his life. He met the love of his life, Dorothy, a city girl who would follow him to the prairies and become his partner in life and farming.

Wilfred’s professional accomplishments included involvement in or contribution to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the James Farms Ltd. Award for recognition of achievement in farm business management in the Diploma Program of the University of Manitoba, as well as hosting a stop of the program’s compulsory summer tour. He was a founding member of the Dugald Costume Museum and served on its board of directors for many years.

Wilfred and Dorothy continued to work hard and grow their business, enjoying travels to the US, Mexico and Europe, and being regular patrons of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. In 1980, Wilfred and Dorothy bought their cottage which became a focal point for their family and friends for the next 30 years. Wilfred and Dorothy took immense pride in watching their family grow and thrive. Nothing made them happier than being surrounded by their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilfred and Dorothy did absolutely everything together.

Dorothy’s passing in September of this year saw them apart for the first time in 65 years. Despite the separation, Wilfred soldiered on and continued to enjoy his family. After a very brief illness, they are now together again.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and grateful appreciation to his family physician, Dr. Dennis Caners for his many years of excellent care and most recently, to the wonderful staff at River Ridge for their compassionate care and going beyond the call of duty to look after Wilfred. We are most appreciative.

Funeral service to be held on Thursday, January 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Avenue West, with a viewing commencing at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or the Transcona Memorial United Church Building Fund.