JAMES MAGILL

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JAMES MAGILL

July 7, 1922 - February 8, 2025

At the age of 102 1/2 years old, our father, grandfather and great-grandfather slipped away, but not without a valiant fight.

Jim is survived by his four children, Marilyn (Gerry), Barb (Ron), Kerry (Janice), and Tracy (Bob); granddaughters, Sara (Ryan) and Laura; treasured great-grandchildren, Eva and Antonio. He will be missed by his bonus family, Erin (Ian) and Billie, Molly (Nick), David, Rawb, Jamie, and Arya, Allie, Jayde, Brock, and Kayne. He is also survived by many family members from all over Canada and as far as Northern Ireland who brought Dad so much love and many smiles over the years.

Jim was born in Saskatoon in 1922. He joined CN in 1940, but when the Second World War was underway Jim voluntarily enlisted in the RCAF. He was assigned to the RAF and after flying an amazing 33 missions, Jim’s tour was done by D-Day. Jim received a number of medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, but he was most proud of his volunteer medal. When Jim returned to Saskatoon after the war he went back to work at CN. Soon he met Evelyn Cameron on a blind date and told his mom “she was a peach”. They married in 1949, and together they had two daughters, Marilyn and Barbara. Jim worked nights at CN and built a home during the day, a testament to his work ethic. In 1956, CN transferred the family to Vancouver where Kerry and Tracy were born. 1965 brought a transfer to Winnipeg. The Winnipeg years saw lots of family activities like golf, and good times at the Irish Club, but most importantly the birth of two granddaughters, Sara and Laura. Jim and Ev were in their glory! Jim retired from CN in 1984 after 44 years of service, and he and Ev spent 17 wonderful winters in Mesa. They had lots of family and friends there, Jim joined a baseball team, golf team, and a bike riding group where there were many happy hours, but the highlights were always the visits from Sara and Laura.

In early 2010, Jim and Ev moved into The Waverley. There they made friends and enjoyed many activities. Sadly Ev passed away in December of that year. After 60 years of marriage Jim was lost but family, friends and The Waverly staff rallied around him. In March of 2011, the light came back into Jim’s life when his great-granddaughter Eva Marie was born. He and that little girl formed a bond that lasted the rest of Jim’s life and his “Bonnie wee lass” brought him endless joy and pride. To add to that joy, a great-grandson and namesake, Antonio James joined the family in 2014, and was proclaimed a “fine lad” by Jim.

In 2018, Jim was awarded the Legion of Honour for his part in liberating France during the war. Along with this medal, came the rank of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, thus granting him the official title of “Sir”. The photo shared is from this momentous day.

In 2022, Jim celebrated his 100th birthday and family and friends came from far and wide to celebrate with him. It was a fabulous day filled with songs and laughter.

Jim’s years at The Waverley were good ones spent with friends, exercise classes, activities, delicious meals and fun-filled happy hours. To the staff we say thank you. You all held special places in Jim’s heart, and to Jim’s homecare workers, you were all amazing.

On January 4, 2025, Dad was admitted to Victoria General Hospital. Our family was astonished and humbled by the extraordinary care Dad received there, and we thank all involved.

Everyone that knew Dad adored him. His positive, never give up attitude, his interest in everyone and everything, his love of a sing song, a good book, a perfectly ripe banana, and most of all his devotion to his family made him easy to love. We will all remember his “Cheerio” as we say goodbye to our hero. He will be deeply missed.

Cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home located at Hwy. 1 East at Navin Road, Winnipeg. For livestream info and to share a memory please visit the following link: www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, in Jim’s memory, donations can be made to Sir Jim Magill RCAF Foundation Scholarship, Victoria General Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Tributes: www.GreenAcresFuneralHome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2025