James KIRK

Obituary of James John KIRK

April 20, 1932 – Vantage, Saskatchewan
March 22, 2021– Strathmore, Alberta

James Kirk, beloved husband of Virginia (Fay) Kirk (nee Adair), of Strathmore, AB, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Jim was born in Vantage, SK, on April 20, 1932 and lived his childhood growing up on the farm just east of Vantage. He moved to Moose Jaw, SK in his early years to find his independence and the love of his life of sixty years, Fay. Jim and Fay travelled and lived throughout BC from 1960 to 1969 and finally settled in Calgary Alberta in 1969.

Jim worked in the construction industry as a heavy duty crane operator for IUOE Local 955.  He enjoyed taking his daughters to work with him when they were young and letting them operate the crane. His crane operating skills led him to a few Hollywood movie sets in Calgary and Fort MacLeod, AB in the early 1990’s. He was cued to make it rain in the movie “Heart Full of Rain”. This was where he introduced his oldest grandson Ryan how to operate a crane. Jim especially enjoyed goofing around with both of his grandchildren, Sean and Ryan, endlessly playing with them on the floor. It always made Grandpa laugh when the boys referred to him as "Goofy Grandpa".  Jim retired in 1997, and shortly thereafter, he and Fay moved to Strathmore, AB, to begin enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Before really settling down into retirement, Jim and Fay enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Reno and Mexico. Jim was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion where he and Fay frequently visited. He also enjoyed curling on the senior’s league in Strathmore. Besides curling, Jim enjoyed playing cards, dice, camping, travelling, woodworking, and, above all, playing Bingo. One of Jim’s favorite past times, was spending time with his family camping at McLean Creek and Sheep River.

Jim will be most remembered for his carefree and loving nature. He could always put a smile on your face and make you laugh. Jim was no stranger to anyone, always extending greetings and happiness to everyone he met.

Besides his loving wife Fay, Jim is survived by his two daughters and two son in-laws, Tracey and Brian Johnson, of Brandon, MB and Jami Kirk and Greg Baran of Calgary, AB; and two grandsons, Ryan and Sean Johnson, both of Brandon, MB.  Jim also leaves behind his sister Helen Walker (Kirk), of Vancouver, BC, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Bertha and William Kirk; brothers, Bud, Roy, Glen, Harry; and sister Donalda.

He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

A Private Family Gathering will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jim’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of James Kirk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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