James (Jim) Arthur Bellikka
1942-2020
Born in Red Deer on August 12th, 1942, Jim grew up in the Highlands of Edmonton. He married Cynthia (Joan) O’Dell in 1960 and together they raised a family in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Winnipeg. His booming voice and bold personality made him unforgettable to everyone he met. His driver’s license said he was 5’6” but everyone who met him thought he was 6’5”. He shared his enthusiasm and love for life with all who knew him and made friends wherever he ventured. Although he triumphed over several health challenges in recent years, he succumbed suddenly on January 15th.
Jim was predeceased by his Dad (Art) and Mother (Viola). He is lovingly remembered by Joan, his wife of 60 years; sister Patricia Neyra (Antonio); sons Jerry (Lorraine McFaddin), Jason (Nanette Stelter) and Jeffrey (Glenna Ravnsborg) as well as grandchildren David, Jennifer, Avery, Aidan, Gillian and Abigail. He was blessed with great grandchildren April, Dakota and Jax. He is also survived by several cousins from the Byttynen and Bellikka families.
Cremation has taken place.
Throughout his life Jim had a deep love for the family heritage homestead on the shores of Sylvan Lake which he shared with his many cousins and family members. We will gather at the lakeshore when the grass is green and the sky is blue to celebrate his life and share our memories of a wonderful man.
Thank you for letting me know Pat. Deep condolences to you and the whole family. I still have the pictures of Uncle Art’s funeral so I kind of feel like I have met you all already. It doesn’t feel that Uncle Ray passed away very long ago. Thank you for such a loving obituary. Jim must have been a very special. God bless you all.
It is with sadness we hear of the passing of Jim. He was a great guy and loved to have fun! He was always there with a helping hand. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by all who knew him.
We send our heart felt condolences to his family and friends!
Deepest condolences to our dear friends, Joan, Jerry & Lorraine, Avery & Aidan; Jason & Nan, David & Alana, April & Dakota, Jennifer & Jax, Jeff & Glenna, Gillian & Abigail. We were saddened to learn of our great friend Jim’s passing. He will be greatly missed. Warm Hugs to you all, Steve & Heather
A true gentleman and kind soul. Always the bigger than life man with a wicked handshake.
My family and I give our condolences on Jim passing.
We were so sorry to hear that Jim passed away. He was a great guy and a wonderful friend who took us under his wing when we moved to Winnipeg and treated us like family. We will never forget him. Thinking of all of you and sending our love
My deepest condolences….to you and family such an amazing man ….always welcomed you and was a super hard worker as well as funny…..hugs hugs and many hugs……R.I.P to a strong man and a beutiful soul and now a beutiful angel
My deepest condolences to you, Jerry, and your family. I did not meet your Father, but your stories captured the loving description of your Dad in the obituary. Take good care.