James Gregory Sanheim

I remember fondly the times I played kanasta at the kitchen table in the Sanheim house with James, John Mock, Tom Zerr and the famous killer cat that seemed to only let James' father, and sometimes me, pick him up or have him hop into my lap. Since high school and university, I gradually lost touch as James found Johanna and I went off on my career. I still remember the joyful, kind person with the infectious laugh. I truly admired his convictions are zeal he had for his work advocating and helping those with disabilities. He will be missed.

So sorry. Thinking of you and your children Big Hugs to all.

Johanna, Adam and Michelle, James was a colleague of mine for many years. He would be at meetings (often leading them) with his wonderful smile and creative ideas. James was so well liked and respected by everyone. We are sure going to miss him. With heartfelt sympathy,

I thought James was a wonderful friend and support to everyone he meet and who needed some help. My thoughts and prayers go to the family of James. It was a great lost to community living and to all the friends he made. Deep Sympathy. Leanne Madsen

My condolences to Johanna, Adam and Michelle. I had the great fortune of working with James over the last couple of years as the old EAPD program moved into the “new world” of contracting. It was a new trying learning experience for both of us but made so much easier for me by Jame’s knowledge, dedication and commitment to SACL. I don’t think I have ever worked with anyone who was more caring and a great advocate for the clients he worked with. I will miss his smile and kind and gentle ways and the laugh or two we shared every time we tried to figure out this “new world”. James you will be truly missed.

Johanna, Adam & Michelle, Our sincere condolences in the passing of James. We were unable to attend his Farewell Gathering, but were there in mind and spirit. A toast to James was made that evening. We were in Saskatoon at another celebration - Justin's university graduation from mechanical engineering on the same evening at the same time. May we offer our hugs, love and friendship to you. Justin, Michelle, James & Roxanne Gallagher

Michelle, my condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficut time.

Michelle We are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Please give your Mom, your brother and and the rest of your family our sincere condolences. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Johanna, Adam, Michelle, we were very sorry to hear about James. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow and may your memories together sustain you through this difficult time ahead.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children, Johanna. Many mornings I went through the RACL office to get to the HELP Homes office downstairs. As I knew James was there, I said "Good morning" as I knew he would leave his office to see who had entered. I miss his responding "Good morning". I remember James as a kind and gentle man who wore wonderful shirts. James, you are missed.

For those of us who had the privilege of sitting down at a table and playing a game with James, we had the good fortune and blessing of being with a man was a fantastic example of gamesmanship, warm and inviting, never dismissive, always honest, and playing for the joy of the moment, never overly concerned about the result. It was the relationships around the table that mattered most. Though I only knew James in this setting it was clear that this was true of him in all of his endeavours. James was a gently and warm soul to all. It's hard to believe that he has left us. James, you will always be missed.

So sorry to hear this news through both the Leader Post and the RACL community...Over the past 30 years, we have been involved with so many wonderful caring individuals throughout our journey with our Special Needs daughter, Jana. James was one of the unique people we met along the way, with his quiet, gentle manner...we feel we are fortunate to have known him. Please accept our sincere sympathies to all the family. By all accounts written here on the condolence page ...he was a man who was rich with the great love of the family and friends who knew him...how proud you must be that he was yours for a brief but wonderful time!

James will be really missed by all, but I want to say he was a dedicated employee of SACL and very committed. So sorry for your loss, I will remember all his family in prayers. Shelley Elder

Johanna, Neil and I offer our deepest condolences. I remember interviewing James way back in 1996 or so and thinking how lucky SACL was to have James wanting to work for us. He was the premiere employment specialist in the province and always acted with vision, integrity and kindness. James was also a friend to me and always spoke with great love and affection for you and your children. Our sympathies are with you, Adam and Michelle.

My condolences to James' family. My loss is but a shadow of yours. Over the last four years and many games shared I was fortunate enough to get to know James. He was always welcoming new players to try out games with him and through his grace and humility the games were always more sociable. It was with much sadness that we marked his passage and remembered all of the good times and good games we shared with him. That night the mood at the German Club was much subdued. To my good friend, may we meet again in the next life.

My condolences to you. I had the pleasure of working with James on various committees. He was such a positive influence at meetings and his personality drew people to him. He truly made a difference. I am so sorry. Marlene

On behalf of the Driol family, we extend our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father, son & brother. While sad when someone leaves this life too soon, recognizing the family name of our classmates & fellow parishoners from Holy Trinity, we are reminded how delicate life is. We followed separate paths but remain joined by our childhood roots. The Sanheim family was always so gentle and kind - a part of our roots we fondly remember. God Bless

Our condolences Adam and Jennette and all of the family.

I had the opportunity to work with James. A true advocate, and he will be missed by many. My condolences to his friends and family.

My deepest condolences to the family. Please know that James was an amazing person and was always willing to help out whenever possible for individuals with intellectual disabilities. James will never be forgotten. Thanks for all that you did James! It was much appreciated.

James and family were our wonderful neighbors for over 20 years. My memories include James the Shiek cutting the grass on the riding mower; his beautiful pencil drawings displayed throughout their home; James hosting game nights for the youngsters in the neighborhood; his gentle nature and easy smile. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Johanna, Adam and Michelle - our hearts are aching with yours. Thinking of you in friendship and caring, the Heraufs.

I got to know James when he and I were both members of the Supported Employment Network of Saskatchewan. I respected him a great deal. He was very knowledgeable and great to work with. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family.

James, I greatly enjoyed and looked forward to the many times I would be a part of a group of friends that would be playing one of your games. With your quiet enthusiasm and gracious manner, I always knew it would be time well spent, as well as just plain fun. When I last spoke with you in person on January 28th, it was under the assumption that I would still be able to see you again, play a game or two, and have more interesting discussions on a mutual interest. I am deeply saddened that it was not to be. Even knowing what you were up against, you were taken from us much too quickly. I am still trying to come to terms with your passing. But in the interim, rest well my friend............until we meet again!

Dear Johanna, Adam & Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with James at SACL, and what a pleasure it was. I always knew when James came to town, cause his shoes would be neatly placed at the front door of the office. I hope the many memories you have had together over the years will ease the pain and sorrow. James' was much too young and didnt deserve the diagnoses he was given. Until you meet with him again, you will know he will be heaven, cause I have no doubt that his shoes will be neatly placed at the front door, and he will be inside smiling, and playing his favorite games! Rest In Peace James'-you are already missed by many.

It's a good sign when you think of someone and the first things that always pops into your mind is a smiling face and gentle voice. In all the years I knew James through our work with the SACL, I never saw him grumpy or petty. Lots of times he was concerned about the people for whom he advocated and sometimes frustrated when things weren't happening as quickly as he knew they should. But he was always generous of spirit, he appreciated a good joke or story, was quick with a smile and compliment, a gentle man with a nurturing spirit. He was someone people wanted to be more like, and someone they will always be proud to have known. - Karin, Rick & Jim Schwier

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. James was a loved man and he will be missed. It was truly a pleasure working with him, experiencing firsthand his compassion, empathy and passion. An advocate for people with disabilities and a leader among his peers.

James, you were a compassionate, devoted man; and your peers and your clients will miss you sorely. Deepest sympaty to your family. May you move quickly through sorrow and grief to gentle fond memories of the man you loved.

My thoughts are with your family. I had the opportunity to get to know James over the past 10+ years in our work lives, as we have been on numerous provincial committees together. James was a true advocate for people with disabilities and his passion will truly be missed by the disabiltiy ccommunity.

Johanna, Adam and Michelle. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God bless.

Johanna, Adam, Michelle and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Far too young. May your family memories give you strength in these difficult times.

I wish i could have played once more with you. You are one of most gentlest and kind person i have ever met. I want to thank you for your advice and perspective. The laughs and good gaming spirit , your ability totake newcomers to the games , the general calm and wonderful feeling you gave the room wherever you were. Thank you for running the flea market all those years at the convention. I will not say goodbye as i believe that we will meet again. Nature recycles and the spirit does as well. Time flows differently , life is for experiencing , beyond lies reflection. The song "Into the west " was originally written for a friend of the composer who was losing the battle with cancer. Te friend asked for it to played at the service where Peter Jackson heard it and asked to have it as the ending theme to Lord of the Rings .That song is now ringing loud in my head. There are many people praying for a miracle and there is still part of me that holds to hope and will not accept the loss of a friend. So keep fighting you have much to live for ( hoping for B5's Lorien ). You have a good family taking care of you. I imagine you lying in bed , the meeples and game pieces peeking out of the cupboards, all praying for a recovery.( alas the miracle was not meant to be) In friendship, til the firmament breaks or the world ends, Trent This email was sent two days before James' passing he never saw it

Our thoughts and best wishes are with Johanna, Adam, Michelle, and Mom & Dad. James has created many joyous memories for us, which we will cherish. Good bye Big Brother

James was one of my best friends and I will miss him dearly. May time heal what words cannot. May you take some comfort in this poem: Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft star-shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.