James Arthur Simpson

Jim passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on April 7, six days before his 95th Birthday with family by his side. Jim leaves to mourn his wife, Ruby, of 71 years; daughter, Janie Orchard and her husband, Donald; three grandchildren, Eric, Arlene, and Onalee (Steve Arnott); and two great grandchildren, Oscar and Archie, whom he thought were ‘Big Deals’. He also leaves numerous nephews and nieces in Manitoba and Alberta.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Edna Simpson, his sister, Candace Scott/Taylor and brother, Harry Charles.

Jim was born in Myrtle, Manitoba and farmed most of his life in Altamont and Miami. He was key to keeping the Orchard farm on a steady course and chauffeuring grandchildren for 15 years. He moved to Calgary in 2011 to be near his grandchildren and the forth generation babies.

Jim loved to dance and to socialize. He was in demand as a dance partner while his wife, Ruby, played the piano in the band. His long term hobby was carpentry building many house additions, finishing houses, as well as, building small projects like rocking horses, doll houses and stools to donate to charity. He was an experienced electrician requiring only professional approvals for his projects.

For years, he loved to curl with friends at Altamont on natural ice and was an avid TV curling fan for the rest of his life. He had great remembrances of attending the Brier in Victoria. He was an ambitious person always looking for something to do, someone to help, or somewhere to go. He enjoyed hours playing games and cards, even when he didn’t win.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in Altamont, Manitoba on July 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM.