February 19, 1949 – January 15, 2015
On January 15, 2015, a new star was born in the early morning sky. Jim passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home. He was 65 years old. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol, of 43 years; their daughters, Colleen (David) Fourney & Laura (Tyson) Wheeler; and two grandsons Paxton James & Linden Cade Wheeler. He also leaves to mourn his sister Marilyn (V. Bruce) Irvine; his brother William “Bill”(Linda); many nieces & nephews – Lee-Ann Irvine (Jose Cabrera), Cam (Cely) Irvine (& Sophia, Isla, & Karina), Sandie Irvine (Michael Claassen) (& Nael), Lee (Kendra) Craik (& Avery, Adley & Andi), & Christopher (Jamie) Craik (& Finn); his mother-in-law, Caroline Ellis; brother-in-law Gerald (Betty) Ellis (& their children Jason (Fawn) Ellis (& Jeremy), Adam (& Teagan McAngus), Drew (Lori) Ellis (& Zander and Darian), and Rory); and brother-in law Keith (Gail) Ellis (& their children Darrick (Erin Beck) Ellis (& Maxen), Chandra (Derrik) Olsen (& Holden and Easton), Lyndon (Amanda Merkosky) Ellis, (& Janessa Ellis). Jim valued family and stayed in contact with many Craik, Tennent, Alexander, Ellis, and Schnitzler uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Edna Mary Craik (nee Alexander), father Gordon Hartwell Craik, and father-in-law William Reginald Ellis. Jim was born at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, on Feb. 19, 1949. He attended Brunskill Elementary School and graduated from Nutana Collegiate in 1967. After attending Teachers’ College, he began his career at Rosthern, SK. in Sept 1968, where he taught until his superannuation in 1998. He married Carol Ellis on Aug. 14, 1971, and they settled in Rosthern and had two daughters. He loved this community and gave back whenever he could. He was an active member of the Rosthern Lions Club for 27 years. In 1989, Jim and Carol purchased a cabin at Emma Lake. He loved spending time at the lake with family and friends; visiting around campfires and watching beautiful prairie sunsets. In his retirement, he tapped into his love of words, writing and photography becoming a freelance journalist, mainly for the Sask Valley News. In 2003, he was honoured to be named Rosthern’s Citizen of the Year recognizing his involvement in the community. All throughout his life he was a huge sports fan and followed many sports. He had a special pride for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Recently, he revelled in being a grandfather to his two grandsons. A Memorial service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2015, at 10:30 am at St. Odilon Parish Complex, 3004 Saskatchewan Street (Hwy 312), Rosthern. His family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Rosthern Hospital, Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital, Wakaw’s Lakeview Pioneer Lodge and the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home for the amazing care Jim received while battling cancer. Memorial donations may be made to the Sask Valley Hospital Foundation Inc., Box 93, Rosthern, SK, S0K 3R0. Arrangements in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern. (306-232-5245, http://www.funksfuneralhome.ca).
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. We will keep you in our prayers. Ken and Pat Weightman
Carol and family…..our deepest sympathy on your great loss of Jim. Jillian loved Mr. Craik and he truly made a difference in her education. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Barbara Martin and Jillian Krikau Vancoughnett
It is with deep sorrow that we learned of Jim’s passing. From the moment we met playing for the Brunskill marble championship to the hundreds of hours hitting baseballs and throwing footballs at Griffith’s stadium Jim was never more than a block away and frequently much closer. He was a wonderful friend who’s passion for sports and the plight of others was a model for the entire neighborhood. It is impossible to reminisce about our childhood without stories about Jim being a major part of that discussion. Rest in peace dear friend. Sincere condolences to all those he loved and left behind. Dale Linkd.c.link
Our condolences on Jim’s passing. Carol and family should be very proud of Jim and the way he lived his life. He will be missed at the family reunions. He was a true Gentleman. All our Love. Bob, Donna and Lauren Ellis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you journey through your loss. We have many fond memories of all of you as we batted, ran, sang and laughed our way through the Ellis family reunions. We are so thankful that Jim was able to join us this summer– he will be missed. Sending hugs and some sunshine to help lighten your hearts.
Love Jim and Leanne
I am very sorry to hear of Jims passing,my heartfelt sympathy for the sorrow you feel,
Jim was truly like a member of our family growing up. Between the lake and playing shinny, could it have been any better? One day we will play again my friend. The family, Rosthern, and indeed the world has lost a contributor.
Dear Carol and girls and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our hearts and prayers. Jim will be remembered with fondness.
Much Love,
Randy and Kathy Pasternak
Carol. Nadia and I were both saddened to hear of your loss. Jim was a true friend and we have many great memories of some of the things we did together. Although we have lived a great distance apart this past decade you were never forgotten. That is what made the short time we had together this last summer very important. Please give our condolences to Colleen and Laura. We will miss Jim but he did leave a great legacy.
Doug and Nadia Willard
Fond memories flood back growing up with Jim and Bill in the Brunskill ‘hood’.
My thoughts are with the family…Spencer Early
Marilyn, Bruce and family, we want to extend our condolences on Jim’s passing. It is hard to lose a husband, father, brother and dear relative, and especially so when he was so young. Our thoughts are with you.
We send our love and condolences to all of Jim’s family. He always remembered our Mum and Dad and came to visit and see them and those down in the Toronto area. He went to Calgary when I couldn’t, and visited with family anytime he was near anyone. We will remember Jim always.
Our love to all.
With Gentle Hugs, John and Lyn
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. May the memories of Jim help you find peace.
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller –