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JAMES (JIM) WILLIAM SANFORD
Born: Aug 01, 1962
Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2021
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JAMES (JIM) WILLIAM SANFORD
Jim was born on August 1, 1962, in North Vancouver, BC to Jocelyn and Robert Sanford of Vancouver, BC. He spent his early years in North Vancouver and Edmonton before the family moved to Winnipeg when he was eight years old. He attended Oakenwald Elementary School, Viscount Alexander Junior High and Vincent Massey Collegiate, where he developed close and lasting friendships. Later, he attended the University of Manitoba in the Environmental Studies program and Labour Studies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts - Advanced in 1986.
While in high school, Jim started working at Safeway and then became a shop steward, where he began his lifelong career in labour relations and collective bargaining. He became a union representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union representing a broad range of employees including health care workers. For the past ten years he represented health care employers at the Provincial Health Labour Relations Services.
A brilliant strategist and a catalyst for change, Jim was a masterful negotiator, revelling in a good battle at the table. Prepared with an understanding of all sides, fortified with a focused vision and well-spoken argument - often tinged with the dry absurd wit he was known for - Jim was able to negotiate the best deal possible. Although he was a tough negotiator, he was respected both by those he represented and those who faced him across the table. Jim was a respected colleague, role model and mentor.
Jim met Shirley in the summer of 1981 through work at Safeway, and went to university together where they made their lifelong friends. Jim and Shirley were very sociable. Jim valued maintaining his close connections spending time either hosting or attending family gatherings with the Van Schies and Sanfords. Together, Jim and Shirl took great pleasure in planning events for family and friends.
Jim and Shirl travelled extensively, mostly to visit family in BC and friends in Britain, but also to Costa Rica and, recently, to the Bahamas and Cuba. Road trips in the US were also a favourite pastime, where they searched up beautiful places, looked for Jim's historical past and occasionally attended major political events, including the inauguration of Barack Obama.
Jim loved shenanigans. Throughout his life, he regularly demonstrated his irreverent, infectious sense of humour, often delighting and appalling his family, friends and co-workers with his shocking screen-printed t-shirts and tasteless joke gifts. He was renowned for his Christmas party invitations, some that exploded in sparkles, some that oozed, some that even imitated official notices threatening personal fines. The annual Christmas party was a sacrosanct event for Jim and Shirl - first preparing the annual card, and then preparing impressive numbers of appy trays. Regular features were the 'big-ass ham', the charity draw, and a huge crowd around the kitchen island.
Interest in architecture led Jim to design and construct many buildings and projects over the years. Always included were challenging corners and angles that generated interesting and remarkable results, such as the vertigo-inducing undertaking known as the 'sky deck' at their cabin. In recent years Jim became interested in and produced many lovely lampshades and other projects in stained glass.
Winter and summer, Jim and Shirl visited the family home on Texada Island, BC, where Jim had been going since childhood. There, they enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, and designing buildings and projects. For years, Jim participated in the island's quirky but competitive Annual Crokinole Tournament, where he was a five-time winner.
One of Jim's favourite places was the lake. The quaint cottage he and Shirl bought there was improved and expanded over the years according to his unique and beautiful vision. His latest project would've been to build a spiral staircase to the stars.
Joey, their beloved dog, was a perfect match for Jim and Shirl. An excellent travelling and life companion, she added to their enjoyment of Texada and the lake, sharing their love of golf, fishing, and frog ponds.
Everyone knew how important music appreciation was for Jim. His cherished record collection at the lake, of which he knew every detail, was so extensive that he had to fortify the cabin's footings.
Jim was a loyal, generous and determined individual whose visionary ideas almost always became reality. Many of his friendships, including those of his school days, endured for his lifetime. Jim stood up for people and ideas. He was fearless and never afraid to speak out for what he thought was right.
Jim's families and friends will miss him profoundly. May he rest in peace.
A memorial celebration for Jim will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of choice, or plant a tree in Jim's honour.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 - EthicalDeathCare.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2021
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Over 3 years since Jim’s passing, I’m sitting here listening to The Smiths album I just purchased, fondly recalling how much Jim loved Morrissey and how our mutual love of music bonded us. Quite frankly, I bought the album this week in an attempt to somewhat keep Jim’s memory alive in my heart. I reread his obituary and reflected on how much more to Jim there was than I had realized (would have cherished playing crokinole against him as I enjoy the game as well; wonder what a champion player would be like to play against). I expect nobody is going to read this now, but if otherwise, I just want to let the family know that Jim, over 3 years later, is still, and always will be, fondly remembered by some of us. Take care. - Posted by: Dave Leschasin (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2024
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Jim put a lot of good into the world. It's an absolute honour to be guided by his example. - Posted by: Barbara Meneley (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2021
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Jim was my cousin, but more importantly he was my life-long friend. He was a funny, absurd, quirky troublemaker --and also one of the most generous people I have ever met. Even when he nearly shot off Jeanette's head by dumping "spent" fireworks in a bonfire she was sitting at, you couldn't help but love his spirit. Jeanette and I send all our love to Shirl. - Posted by: Glen Sanford (cousin) on: Feb 18, 2021
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Jim was a phenomenal man. In my time of need, he stood by me. His passion for advocacy and kind heart were some of his greatest attributes. I'm grateful to have known Jim. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Andrew J (Work) on: Feb 16, 2021
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I didn’t know Jim well. Our paths never crossed all that much, but when they did, I would find myself wishing he was my best friend. But his wit was so dry I would get dehydrated and I could hardly function. My condolences to his friends and loved ones. - Posted by: Mark (Ferg) Doerksen (Acquaintance) on: Feb 16, 2021
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James was truly one the great ones of our time, the world lost a special guy when the good lord took him. He lead & mentored many people, including myself and I was always proud to be his friend. Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to his wife Shirl & family on your loss. The world truly is a much emptier place with the passing of Jim .....Rest In Peace My Friend - Posted by: Jim King (Friend ) on: Feb 15, 2021
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I worked with Jim at Provincial Health Labour Relations Services until my retirement in 2018 and he was a wonderful person who was very good to people and added lots fun to the workplace. I fondly remember the summer BBQ’s we all participated in, never a dull moment with Jim and Kevin around, and I know Jim will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. My condolences to Shirley and Jim’s family, RIP Jim. - Posted by: Arlene Ireland (Co-worker ) on: Feb 15, 2021
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My sympathies to Jim's family. Jim was a wonderful person and his attributes are well described in his obituary. I enjoyed working with Jim over the years and really appreciated his intellect and dry sense of humour. RIP Jim. - Posted by: Real Cloutier (Work) on: Feb 15, 2021
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I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Lois and I were fast friends growing up in Fort Garry and I have many happy memories of time spent with the Sanford family. I remember Jim as curious and mischievous; inquisitive and intelligent. My deepest condolences to Shirley and to Kathy, Mike, Pam and Lois. - Posted by: Nancy (Lyon) Matthews (Friend) on: Feb 14, 2021
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I worked with Jim in the early years. He was hilarious and just an all round good guy! Michelle Massery and Jim are negotiating better conditions at the moment! I'm sure of that! Too young Too soon! My thoughts go out to his family. - Posted by: Sally Rypkema(Meikle) (Co worker) on: Feb 13, 2021
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Spending time with Jim was often absurd, frequently enlightening and always a pleasure. You will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Luba (Work colleague ) on: Feb 13, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear this news! Jim was a friend of mine within the Union movement! He was one of my mentors and I have always had a huge respect for him...He fought hard for his members and made huge strides for ALL the Support Care Workers with the WRHA! To his family I am truly sorry - The world has lost a great man - Posted by: Pat Mason (Friend) on: Feb 13, 2021
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Jim and Aurelia Last were co workers and friends. We had the pleasure and getting to know Jim and Shirley at Winnipeg beach over a planting party weekend. Aurelia shared many stories about Jim and his pranks and also how good he was at his job, and she cherished his friendship. Aurelia and her wife Shirley Page would be prepared for the christmas card clean up each year and we would hear tales about the party and also times shared at the cottage. Our family sends deepest condolences to Shirley and Jim’s family. We hope that Jim and Rea are setting up a few pranks together. RIP Jim and strength to those left behind. With Love, Glory Last, Gloria Last, and Douglas Blais - Posted by: Gloria Glory and Doug (Friend) on: Feb 13, 2021
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Jim was a unique and special person who taught me more than he would ever take credit for Many of my cherished friends were because of Jim and we will keep the stories alive and I am sure a few bizarre rituals that he would love. - Posted by: Gordon Partridge (Friend) on: Feb 13, 2021
