Richard Glen James

RICHARD GLEN JAMES

16 July 1933 – 15 July 2021

Glen James, 87, of Carstairs, Alberta passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Born in Didsbury, he was the fourth of five children of Edmund and Emily (nee Maskell) James, both of Carstairs.

After finishing grade eight in 1947 and due to his father’s failing health, Glen stepped up to assume the many responsibilities of the farm which had been in the family since 1927. Glen carried on this responsibility until his father’s passing in 1960, at which time he took a year of voluntary service at La Junta, Colorado with the Mennonite Central Committee. This gave him significant opportunity to broaden his horizons by forging lifelong friendships, expanding his passion for music and igniting his desire for travel to visit friends and see the world.

In 1966 he met and married the love of his life, Sharon, and together they welcomed children Trevor, Rodney, and Tracy. Glen’s love for animals showed in the care of his dairy cows, American saddle-bred horses, pigs, and prized purebred Charolais. Throughout the years of 1974 to 2006 Glen and Sharon hosted dozens of agricultural trainees from around the world with whom Glen was happy to pass on knowledge of farming and his contagious zest for life. His commitment to the stewardship of the land of Glenview Farms showed itself in his growing of hay crops and various grains while taking diligent care of every piece of machinery. He enjoyed participating in many sports well into his sixties, especially baseball.

In 2002 Glen became a Grandfather. His three grandsons were his pride and joy and he loved being involved in their lives. Farming became scaled back, but retirement was never really an option. This gave him time to develop a new hobby of restoring old tractors. He relished driving his latest restoration in the annual Beef and Barley Days parade. To his family and friends’ delight, Glen’s final project was the completion of two recorded CDs of his singing. Glen came to faith in Jesus Christ at age sixteen and served his entire life in several area churches leading music, performing musical selections, and singing with groups including the Drifters.

Left to grieve his passing is his loving wife of nearly fifty-five years, Sharon; two sons, Trevor and Rodney of Carstairs; one daughter, Tracy Luft (Vaughn) of Harmattan; his sister, Audrey James of Calgar; three grandsons, Jamon Luft, Bryson Luft, and Ryden James; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edmund and Emily; siblings, Alfred, Margaret, and Phyllis; and in-laws, Victor and Hazel Ellik.

The family wishes to express appreciation for the professional care extended to him by numerous caregivers at Peter Lougheed Centre. If desired, memorial donations in Glen’s honour may be made to Bethel Evangelical Church of Carstairs or a charity of your choice. A Funeraal Service will be held on Friday, July 23, 1:00pm at Zion Evangelical Missionary Church of Didsbury.