James “Jim” Leo Umscheid of Milo, Alberta passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at High River Hospital Long Term Care at the age of 83 years.
Jim was born September 25, 1921 at Milo, Alberta to Clarence and Jessie Umscheid. He attended Pioneer School northeast of Milo and later attended Tech where he took a diesel mechanic course. In 1942 Jim joined the RCAF as an aero engineer mechanic. He trained in Canada and was sent to England in 1943. He re-mustered to the air crew and served on two squadrons, the latter being the Pathfinder squadron, as a flight engineer. In 1944 his plane was shot down and Jim spent ten months in two German prisoner of war camps. In 1945 Jim returned to Milo and began farming. In 1960 Jim married Margaret Alma Garland and began their lives together. He lived on and worked the land for many years until his health failed and moved to the High River Long Term Care facility in February, 2003 where he has resided since.
Jim enjoyed farming and working with engines but his true passion was gardening and yard work. His yard spoke well of his passion as it resembled a park. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Vulcan Branch #21, Ex-RCAF Prisoner of War Association, Halifax Aircraft Association and the Nanton Lancaster Society. Jim and Margaret attended a POW reunion in Ottawa and a couple of Commonwealth Air Crew reunions in Winnipeg.
Beloved husband of Margaret of Milo, loving father of a daughter Juanita (Monty) McNair of Beiseker, a son Ralph of Milo, two grandsons Matthew and Mitchell McNair both of Beiseker, a sister Lois (Phillip) Berglund of Vancouver, Washington, two brothers John (Edith) Umscheid of Rocky Mountain House, Larry (Jean) Umscheid of Milo, numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by a brother Bob (Iona) Umscheid, sister-in-law Margaret Umscheid, brother-in-law Fred Shafer and his parents
Funeral service Monday, April 18, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Milo Community Hall, Milo, Alberta with Rev. Lee Spice officiating.
Legion Color Party members of the Royal Canadian Legion Vulcan Branch #21.
Honorary bearers John Ivers, Ian Thomson, Alvin Shield, Michael Monner, Jack Sutherland and Lyle Winch.
Casket bearers Doug Umscheid, Garry Umscheid, Lorne Umscheid, Randy Umscheid, Kevin Umscheid and Kendal Umscheid.
Internment O’ Perfect Peace Cemetery, Milo, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Jim’s memory can be made to the High River District Health Care Foundation, 560 – 9 Avenue Sw, High River, Alberta, T1V 1B3.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.