JAMES MAURICE GRAHAM

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JAMES MAURICE GRAHAM 1927 - 2013 Jim Graham passed away on July 19, 2013. He was predeceased by his eldest son Jim Jr., his parents, William and Florence, and his siblings Andy, Joseph and Hazel. He is survived by his wife Victoria, son Robin (Janet), grandchildren Carter and Samantha and many nieces and nephews. Jim was born at home in the Linwood district of Carberry, Manitoba. At about the age of three the family moved down the road to a large house built by his grandfather and it was here that his experiences, education, and strong family support shaped a truly wonderful man. Jim lived on the farm with his parents until the age of 21, when he fell in love with and married Victoria. They subsequently moved to Winnipeg to work and raise a family. Beginning at CP Air he eventually decided a job with the city was more to his liking and the result was a 39 year career at the City of Winnipeg Water Works Dept. Starting as an apprentice, Jim worked his way thru the emergency department, became a certified water treatment plant operator, was selected to teach courses to young apprentices and finally ended his tenure in technical services responsible for water distribution services throughout district #1. Jim grew up on the farm and it was here that he developed many skills that stood him in good stead as he and Victoria worked hard to make a secure home for their family. He did most of his own plumbing, electrical and automotive work and being a bit of perfectionist this work was always completed to the highest standards. In earlier years Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing alongside some of his friends from the Water Works. With the help of a couple of these friends he built his own boat which supplied the family with many hours of entertainment. Like most things he made it was built to last and is still usable today. One of Jim's enduring loves was the family farm he inherited from his father. Although Jim lived in Winnipeg for over 60 years he never really left Carberry nor the world he knew growing up. Jim gave his children and grandchildren a great gift, instilling in them the same love of the farm and surrounding country that was so close to his heart. It is fitting that his last trip will be back to the place he loved so dearly. Graduation, concert or a championship game, Jim and Victoria could be relied on to be there in the front row cheering on their grandchildren. Jim was a great father, a remarkable grandfather, a trusted friend and a "favourite" uncle to many nieces and nephews. His wisdom and his unwavering support were a gift to those fortunate enough to know him. Always reliable, always dependable and always there for a friend or a relative it is difficult to imagine the world without him. Jim and Victoria shared over 64 years of love and their bond seemed to gain strength as the years passed. Jims concern for Victoria during his last few days was a poignant reminder of their devotion as even in the face of the inevitable Jim's first concern was his beautiful wife. They worked as a team inspiring not only their immediate family but a large extended family, friends and neighbours. Without exception they were each other's best friend. The death of Jim's first born son (Jim Jr.) in 2007 had a profound effect on him and was a blow which caused enormous pain until his own death. It is difficult to distill a life into a few words but without doubt no one could go wrong living their own life with the integrity that Jim demonstrated throughout his 86 years. A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 23 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. The service will be held at Grey St United Church the corner of Grey and Sandhurst, 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Interment will follow at the Carberry Beautiful Plains Cemetery, Carberry, Manitoba. Pallbearers will be Garry Bannister, Gordon Graham, Ed Hupalo, Derek McLaren, Scott McLaren, and Roy Payne. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Harrison and Peter Nosaty. The family would like to thank the many visitors, the phone callers and the e-mailers for their unwavering support. Jim really appreciated their conversations and the kind words of encouragement. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2013