Jim passed suddenly on the morning of April 1st, leaving behind his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley; 4 children, Kevin Franklin, Glenda (Wayne) Myhal, Brenda (Byron) Rubenuik, and Blair (Catherine) Franklin; 9 grandchildren, Jennifer, Brittany, and Mitchell Myhal, Tyler, Kyle, and Katrina Rubenuik, and Steven, Lisa and Trevor Franklin.
Jim was born in New Osgoode Saskatchewan and grew up in the Tisdale area. He was the youngest of 4 brothers. He became Town Administrator in Tisdale at a young age, and later moved his family to Esterhazy, SK, and Smither's, BC. Jim decided to change direction in 1980 and moved his family to Nanaimo where Jim and Shirley opened the Breadman Bakery in Country Club Mall. Jim knew nothing of being a baker, but this didn't stop him from taking up the challenge. They operated this for several years. After too many early mornings Jim decided to pursue a career in real estate and spent the last 30 years as a real estate agent, just renewing his licence a couple of weeks before his death.
Jim was active his entire life, playing hockey, ball and skiing. In his later years, Jim joined a gym, which he attended several mornings a week. He loved his bright orange e-bike and could often be spotted riding around Nanaimo. Jim even took up yoga recently. Besides taking part in sports, Jim loved cheering on his favourite teams, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Blue Jays and Vancouver Canucks.
Jim was community-minded and was very involved in Kinsmen along with his wife Shirley. Many fond memories were made going to Kinsmen conventions in Saskatchewan and BC. Jim was very active in his church, and was always ready to lend a hand with whatever was needed. As a proud graduate of the Dale Carnegie Professional Training Course, Jim was a natural leader and public speaker and took the opportunity to connect with every person that crossed his path, both professionally and in his personal life
Most of all Jim loved his family, and his happiest memories were spent with his wife, children and grandchildren gathered around. Jim lived his life to the fullest right up to the end. He will be deeply missed.
A service will be held at Trinity United Church, 6234 Spartan Rd on Saturday April 13th, at 1pm with a tea following.
In lieu of flowers we invite you to donate to a charity of your choice in Jim's honour.