James was born November 26, 1935, to Wilson Andrew Will (Pete) and Alice (Battersby) Will in Vulcan, Alberta. He passed peacefully in High River on March 7, 2022.
James completed school at Milo and began working for Alberta Government Telephones (AGT) as an installer. In 1976 James left his position with AGT to farm with his brother Thomas. He moved into the original farmhouse with our mother and kept her entertained and cared for until she moved to Vulcan during her last years.
James was an active member of the community and volunteered his time to the church and numerous local projects. He was chair of the Milo Hall Building Committee when the new structure was built, and was on the board of the Seed Cleaning Plant, the board of the local restaurant, was a member of the local Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, and various other groups. He was an avid curler and won many trophies and prizes over the years.
James was the communications center for the family. He kept in touch with all his siblings, nieces and nephews and passed on the news. He was very generous to friends and family.
Thomas and James retired from active farming in 1998. They continued to live on the farm and were busy restoring antique machinery and classic cars as well as maintaining the farmyard and buildings.
James was predeceased by his parents, his sister Catherine Winona (Noni) and her spouse Wilfred Atkinson, Andrew Wilson (Willie) and his spouse Teresa Brown and sister-in-law Donna (Hagerty), spouse to Thomas.
James is survived by his siblings, Thomas, Agnes (Mervin Brooks) Sylvia (Bev Nicholson) and Joseph (Jane Langdon) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 11:30 am at the Milo Community Hall, Milo, AB, Rev. Fr. Mariusz Sztuk Celebrant. Inurnment to follow after fellowship at the Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium.
Donations in James’ memory can be made to the Vulcan County Health & Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
We send our sincere condolences to the Will family. James was a great friend, neighbor and community builder. We trust the fond memories you all have will sustain you and give you comfort at this time.
Regards, Barry and Iona Robertson.