Obituary of James Vincent (Jim) MARTIN

February 27, 1935 – November 2, 2020 

Our very special husband, dad and grandpa passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2020, with his loving wife and daughter by his side. 

Born in Cornwall, Ontario and raised in Lachine, Quebec, Jim was educated at McGill University where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Geology) in 1957. While working as a summer student for Mobil Oil in 1955, Jim met his true love, Susanne Wheatley, at the Wascana Park boat club in Regina. They married in September, 1958 and settled in Calgary where their children Jane and John were born and raised. Jim began his career in the oil business with Texaco in 1957. A move to Tenneco took him to Columbia, Australia and the Gulf coast. Jim struck out on his own in 1968 pursuing a variety of business opportunities until his retirement.

Jim was fun loving, outgoing and easily met, his big smile and hearty laugh endeared him to many. Jim loved to tell jokes and we loved to watch as he struggled to get to the punchline before bursting into laughter. He had such zest for life, ‘If I was any better, I’d be arrested!” he would say. Jim loved his family, he was a dedicated and proud father and grandfather, dispenser of advice and enthusiastic fan. Cherished memories were made at the cabin Jim and Sue built at Windermere Lake, a favourite place for his family to gather. Jim cultivated many long-lasting friendships, sharing great times with his golfing buddies, the infamous Whiff and Snort gang and many others. 

Jim’s great sense of humour, eternal optimism and generous spirit will be fondly remembered by his wife of sixty-two years, Sue, daughter and son-in-law; Jane and Glenn Downey, grandchildren; Stephen (Natalie), John (Michelle) and Pamela, great-grandchildren; Adrian, Ben, Hunter and Annabelle and extended family. Jim was predeceased by his son, John, in 2013. 

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be announced at a later date. Please consider sharing your stories, memories and photos on www.McInnisandHolloway.com. 

In living memory of Jim Martin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.