William James “Jim” Davis, of Fort Macleod, formerly of Nanton passed away on Saturday December 20, 2003 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital at the age of 76 years.
Jim was born November 14, 1927 at Goven, Saskatchewan to William and Winifred Davis. Jim attended school at Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan for a short time then began working on thrashing crews in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He settled in Prince Albert and worked for Prince Albert Cleaners. Jim met his first wife Florence Pilon in 1950 and later they were married. They raised three from Florence’s previous marriage and in 1954 were blessed with another child. In 1956 Jim moved the family to Calgary where he started working for T. Eaton Company in the warehouse. In 1966 Jim purchased his own truck and started Jim’s Trucking. He delivered freight in and around Calgary for many years. In 1985 Jim sold the business to take up farming in St. Lawrence, Saskatchewan. He had a great love for the land and enjoyed watching his animals and crops grow. Due to Florence’s poor health, they sold the farm in 1992 and retired to Vulcan. Jim was not one who could stop working so he went to work for Vulcan Transport and then Headwaters Health Authority delivering laundry to Carmangay and Vulcan hospitals. Florence passed away in August 1993. Jim met and married Dorothy (nee: Kirby) Halbert in Nanton in October 1994. They lived in Nanton and enjoyed their time together but due to health issues, moved to the Pioneer Lodge in Fort Macleod in May of 2002 where they resided until Jim’s passing.
Jim had a great passion for music. He started a band in Calgary and they played at many community centers in and around Calgary for many years. Jim had a natural ear for music and would often pick up his harmonica and play for his family and friends. When he wasn’t playing music on his drums, Jim would be dancing with his wife and daughters. He loved to talk and would listen to anyone. Jim also enjoyed driving, barbecuing, gardening and doing mechanical repairs. He could repair almost anything mechanical and liked to keep things in good order. Jim was a hard worker and enjoyed keeping busy. He had a dry sense of humor and he will be missed.
Beloved husband of wife Dorothy of Fort Macleod and her family, Jim’s three daughters Marlene (Gordon) Ferguson, Shirley (Ken) Kellner all of Calgary, Diane (Andy) Broere of Vulcan, a son George (Sharon) Pilon of Athabasca, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three sisters Lillian (Jim) Taylor of Golden B.C., Jean Antonchuck of Rocky Mt. House, Marion (Cliff) Bird of Calgary, two brothers Donald (Jene) of Prince George B.C., Lorne of Fort St. John, B.C., numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his first wife Florence, a sister Vivian Erickson, a brother George Davis and his parents.
Funeral service Wednesday December 24, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. at the Nanton Community Hall with Janet Dorey, Merlin Affleck and Cathy Watson officiating.
Interment Nanton Cemetery.
If friends so desire, tributes in Jim’s memory could be made to the Alberta Lung Association 302 609 14th St. NW Calgary, T2N 2A1.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.