Obituary of James Henry RACKHAM

August 19, 1928 – Calgary, Alberta August 7, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta James (Jim) Henry Rackham beloved husband of Arlis of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the age of 89 years. Our Dad was the son of Jim and Mary Rackham arriving during the summer of 1928 in Calgary, Alberta. Born just prior to the Great Depression, life was not easy growing up with two younger sisters June and Pat. Jim was out-numbered until nineteen years later when his brother Doug was born. Life didn’t get easier as he was nicknamed “Cuddles” and being very smart, he skipped grade three. Being a year younger, smarter than your peers and nicknamed Cuddles; it makes sense that Jim ran the 440 yard dash for Western Canada High School. Jim had many part-time jobs, but after high school he got his chance for a career in the Calgary Oil Patch being hired by the British American Oil Company. Jim married Arlis on May 5, 1956. They had four wonderful children, Susan, David, James and Kenneth. The family loved life on the West Coast fishing, swimming and vacationing every summer on a piece of paradise called Thormanby Island. Jim was very successful at work and accepted a transfer to Saskatoon for a year, Regina for four months and then on to Calgary. About this time, Jim and Arlis started to see the world including a Mediterranean cruise, Hawaii, Australia, about fifty trips to Vegas and finally enjoying Arizona. During this time the family was growing. This provided Jim with two items he never had! A Graeme and a Ross. Grandkids! This brought out something in Jim he had been hiding. Graeme and Ross were struggling with Yo-Yos that Susan had given them. Jim said “Let me try that”. He took a few practice rolls and then backed by music showed everyone around the world, walk the dog and rock the baby. Jim was the Yo-Yo man! When questioned by his own kids, (all with their jaws on the floor), “why didn’t you ever show us?” He replied, “you never asked”. Jim loved to make sure everyone had a good time. The world famous Martini 21 times shaken and not stirred. The ten inch pianist joke he must have told 1000 times. Jim was in heaven when you would meet him for happy hour in Las Vegas followed up with a slot machine tournament. Jim lived his final years spending his time with his family. Oh and being able to hold his great-grandchild Audrey. Thank you Graeme and Sarah! Now is that living or What!! A Private Family Service will be held. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Jim Rackham, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB, T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.