James (Jim) Oliver Hoosier

Jim passed away at home the morning of Sunday, April 20, 2025 with sunshine streaming in the window and gentle sounds of laughter and love around him. It was three days after his 92nd birthday.

Dad is survived and lovingly remembered by his partner, Jennette and her family; children, Janice (Bruce), Brad and Cris (Glen); grandchildren, Savannah, Graham, Jonathan, Megan, Joel, Susan (A.J.), Jimmie, and Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Sydney, Emerson and Hudson.

Jim and Jennette met in July 2015 and he was quickly welcomed into her family. Over the years, he became Grandpa Jim and Papa Jim to Jennette’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad loved being a great-grandfather… the little ones brought him so much joy.

Dad was the last of his generation and very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Marie; brother, Glenn; sisters, Ruth, Eleanor, and Janice; and by his first wife, Ronalee; and their daughter, Karen. Jim is also survived by his second wife, Lynn. A large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as friends and neighbors, will remember him with love.

Dad started out as a bookkeeper/accountant to support his young family. He took a leap of faith to become co-owner of a plumbing company. This success was followed by a variety of business ventures over the years, then a return to bookkeeping during retirement. Jim was admired and respected by his partners and colleagues. He is remembered for his intelligence, patience, honesty, dedication and mentorship - and his incredible (and often very dry) sense of humor.

Jim loved to stay busy, always building something and always there to help out when needed. Fences, pole barns, ramps and steps, garages, cabins, redoing decks … Dad was there, hammer in hand and ready to go. A cold beer afterwards was welcome, too.

Dad lived in many places throughout the province. He was born in Valhalla Center and grew up in Hythe, Lymburn and Edmonton; raised a family in St. Albert; moved to Edmonton, Devon area and Calgary, then to an acreage southwest and a ranch southeast of Calgary; after that to Strathmore, Sundre and Olds. Without a lot of prior experience with animals (perhaps some skills were passed down from his father who had teams of horses) Dad quickly learned to care for horses, and throughout his life there were always dogs around. The respect, trust and love between Dad and his four-footed friends was mutual; he would do absolutely anything to ensure the well-being of animals in his care. Dad had always appeared many years younger than his actual age - daily work on the ranch continued to keep him strong and healthy.

Trips over the years created lasting memories. Family road trips to Flin Flon and the cabin on Lake Athapap, driving the Alaska highway all the way to Anchorage (and back!), flights to Maui and travel to Texas are just a few that spring to mind. The Bowron Lake canoe trip with niece Jeannie and brother-in-law, Art was a special and often recalled memory for Dad.

A lifelong passion for planes began during WW2, when Jim’s brother, Glenn served in the air force. In the 70s, Jim obtained his pilot’s license. He enjoyed many adventures in his Cessna 185 to visit family in the US, to attend air shows up and down the west coast, and to fly just for fun. He once had to land his plane on a highway after a gas jockey didn’t correctly tighten the gas cap! Books and movies about war planes were always close at hand. On a road trip in October 2024, Jennette took Jim to the Bomber Command Air Museum of Canada in Nanton. He was thrilled to see the big planes up close.

We are so grateful to Leslie, Cheryl and Dean, Patrick and Cassie, and Harold next door for providing support and assistance whenever it was needed.

A heartfelt thank you to the Olds Home Care Team (Rikki, Kelsie, Teresa), Central Alberta Palliative Care (Amber, Louise, Danielle), and to Dr. Jonathan Somerville for the excellent support and guidance over Dad’s last few weeks.

And… we have immense gratitude that Dad and Jennette found each other. They are a beautiful example of love found later in life.

There’s no way to describe the adventures of 92 amazing years. With so many distinct phases in his life, everyone will have their own stories. We will miss him so much, but we are very grateful for our time with him. At Dad’s request, no gathering or service will be held. Please celebrate him in your own way, whatever that may be - share memories and a hug, enjoy a walk with a dog, or raise a glass to salute the wonderful life of Jim Hoosier. Donations, should you wish, can be directed to the charity of your choice.