James (Jim) Robert Dirksen
We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear brother, James Dirksen. After a hard fought battle with several serious ailments over the last 4 years, he succumbed to a heart attack on June 16, 2020 at the age of 79.
Jim was born on April 15, 1941 in Prosperity, Alberta. Jim was the second child of thirteen born to his now deceased parents Frank and Katie Dirksen. His older brother, Francis Leeroy, died at 3 months from pneumonia. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Penny and 10 siblings, Patricia Pfau (Otto), Doris Dirksen, Gladys Martin, Laura Boyd (Allan), Francis Dirksen (Shirley), Ronald Dirksen (Val), Lorraine Blair (Ross), Josie Nundahl, Jack Dirksen (Sue), and Millie Giroux (Jean). He was predeceased by his younger brother, Donald, who died in 1977. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held for family and invited friends on July 10 at 2:00 pm at the home of his brother Jack.
Our hearts are broken, our deepest condolences auntie Penny. My memories of bouncing on uncle Jim’s knee and secretly stealing gum from his shirt pocket will make me smile forever. Rest In Peace uncle Jim, we love you.
Penny,Deepest condolences on Jim’s passing. He was a good, kind person who will be missed by his many friends.
Lorraine & Ross & Penny – we were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always smiling and so friendly and we saw him often at the senior’s center. He will be much missed.
Penny, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim, I have so many memories of us growing up. Jim understood the value of hard work and knew how to get things done with a quick mind and busy hands. He did lots of this while working at the Charles Camsel and Royal Aex Hospitals repairing wheel chairs, etc. before his retirement. Jim had a strong love for FAMILY. He was generous, not only with his time but with his talents as well, which were few, just kiddin’ Jim. I also remember when I had my foster children, Riley especially, took to Jim like a dog with a bone. He found great comfort just sitting on your lap or close beside you as possible. Jim had an incredible sense of humor, a sharp wit and loved meeting and talking to people (just like Ross). Jim and Penny were involved in their community as volunteers and enjoyed every minute of it. Jim loved the outdoors, gardening, growing his own tomatoes. rhubarb, grapes, 4 o’clock flowers, etc. Cremation has already taken place and a private Celebration of Life will be held at our younger Brother Jack and Sue’s place on July 10 @2:00 p.m. Rather than just grieve your loss Jim, which we will anyway, we are going to raise a glass in your honor – to a life well-lived with all those adventures. travels, also let us recognize achievements, celebrations and all the days of laughter,and hardship, loss and victory, etc. – but let us recognize your effort and bravery it took to endure the pain and tragedys of the last four years and let us be grateful that you were afforded a measure of grace-unexpected pleasures in the past few months- a motorized wheel-chair donated by your good friend Mitch. Thanh You. The motorized scooter you just bought before which allowed you to scoot around your yard and neighborhood and wave to your neighbors which you did about 1/2 hour before your passing. Fortunately, the long and hard fought battle have come to an end – no more suffering, no more pain, no more pills. I will miss you and cherish our memories. Rest in Peace, dear Brother, you are finally FREE. I know your life on Earth was troubled And only you could know the pain You weren’t afraid to face the devil You were no stranger to the rain Go rest high on that mountain Jim, your work on Earth is done Go to Heaven a shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son From Jim to Penny (One of Jim’s favorite songs by Merle Haggard In my next life I want to be your hero Something better than I turned out to be I lived this life behind a plow and harrows In my next life I’ll make you proud of me.