Obituary of James Francis Stott

James Francis Stott of Calgary passed away on Monday, June 6, 2005 at the age of 69 years. James F. Stott wrote the final article of his life after succumbing to complications brought on by a stroke suffered on May 6, 2005. He was a native son of the British Isles. James jumped the pond and immigrated to Canada in 1951. He landed in Toronto and found employment with the CBC but his heart was set on writing so he took a job at the Barrie Examiner. There he met his first wife Sharon, a fellow reporter. Jim’s newspaper career included sojourns at the Examiner, Calgary Albertan, Calgary Herald and the Vancouver Sun. He finished his career with the Calgary Herald where he served at different times as Energy Editor, Editorialist and finally as the Ombudsman. After his retirement from the Herald, Jim continued his freelance work as the Canadian Correspondent for the Oil and Gas journal (where he held the position since the mid-seventies) and other numerous writing projects. His cherished second wife of twenty-one years, Elizabeth passed in 2001 which left a tremendous void in his life, but he filled it as best as he could with friends, family, golf, travel and his pets Max and Ching. He was also very active in the Herald retirees association and was volunteering his time at the Calgary distree centre when he took ill. Jim had a keen sense of the ironic and always found humour in the absurdities of life (possibly a result of the time at the Parliamentary press gallery!). Jim’s gentle nature, patience and quick wit will be fondly remembered by his very close circle of friends and those people whose lives he touched. Jim’s life was very rich and rewarding and all of us feel that he passed with very little regrets. In his later years, his son and he became best friends and immensely enjoyed each other’s company whether at his ‘local’ or just sitting around the house talking. Jim will be terribly missed and will always be cherished by his daughter Shanna and son Michael. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, June 13, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Health Trust – Unit 100, FMC, 10101 Southport Road SW, Calgary, AB T2W 3N2 Telephone: (403) 943 – 0615, www.calgaryhealthtrust.org. The family owes a deep debt of gratitude to the wonderful staff of the Foothills Medical Centre’s Stroke Unit for their kindness and dedication in our time of need. In living memory of Jim Stott, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.