WOJCIK'S FUNERAL CHAPEL - JAMES HILL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

JAMES “JIMMY” ROBERT HILL

Suddenly, on Thursday, October 2, 2014 surrounded by his family, Jim passed away at the Grace Hospital at the age of 50 years. He was born on November 21, 1963.

Left to cherish Jim’s memories are his loving wife Kathy of 24 years (nee St. James); beautiful boys, Dean (Kaitlyn) and Drew; wonderful parents, Harvey and Shirley; his "beaut" of a brother, Tom (Rhonda); and his "brother" from another mother, Martin Owens.  He also leaves to mourn his immediate family, mother-in-law, Del St. James, Janet and Dave Wiess, Tim and Natalie St. James; nephews and nieces, Matt (Tannis), Chloe (Chris), Tyler and Lily; Auntie Lois Owens; cousins Kevin and Diane (Kerry). Jim was predeceased by his father-in-law, Gus St. James; grandparents Robert and Beatrice Hill, Austin and Doris Baily.

Jim went by many names, Jimmy and Harv to name a few.  Also left behind are the numerous friends Jim had made over the years, he loved every one of you, and when he spoke of you, he would always say "he or she is such a beaut!" Jim made friends wherever he went, he was just that type of person.

Our house was always full of the boys and their friends, Jim loved this! Whenever they came over they made a point of seeking him out, share a few words.  Over the last few days, many of them have reminisced about the way they could talk to Jim about things they couldn't talk about to anyone else, he'd offer advice when needed, or just listen. He always thought of you all like his own.

Jim was born and lived in Winnipeg his whole life.  Growing up he played hockey, baseball, football and whatever else he could.  Jim played the drums for many years and still played occasionally.  He would play for hours in the basement of the house he grew up in on Aldine St.  His favs were Led Zep, The Doors, The Who to name just a few, as he had so many!  Jim attended Bannatyne Elementary, Golden Gate Junior High, where he made lifelong friends. He graduated from Silver Heights Collegiate in 1981. This is where Jim and Kathy met and dated, but did not become an "item" until 1984.  They married on September 15, 1990 and had their beautiful sons Dean (1994) and Drew (1995). Jim's life from then on was all about his family.  They were his world.  He'd tell us all the time, "You can't even begin to know how much I love you guys!"  We know!  He taught his sons life lessons, so many to list, to carry them onward through their lives.  

The family spent many summers camping at Big Whiteshell, Tulabi Falls, and various other places. But Jim's favourite place in the world was Bag Bay on Shoal Lake, ON. We spent many summers there. He taught the boys to fish, swim, and water ski there.  He always said “could he stay there forever?” You will be getting your wish, my love.

Jim started working at CP Rail after high school.  He started working on the gangs in 1984, then moved into the yards on Jarvis Avenue and worked as a switchman for many years, then as a conductor on the road, becoming an engineer in May 2009. Jim loved being an engineer, when he first started he was like a big kid, excited, happy doing what he always wanted to do.

Over the last few years, we started to travel, Las Vegas, Mexico with the boys, and most recently Cuba this past February with our family and friends for his belated 50th.

Jim will always be remembered as someone you could talk to, count on anytime, he would give you the shirt off his back.  So many people have told us how much they appreciate how he opened up his home and heart to them, that's Jim!     

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, a private family Service will be held. A Celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Holiday Inn West, 2520 Portage Avenue.

We would like to thank everyone for stopping by with food, flowers, their phone calls, texts, emails and for their company.  The outpouring of support for us as been truly amazing and we are so thankful to you all.  The family also wishes to thank the WFPS and the staff of the Grace Hospital for all they did.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, or something that was close to Jim's heart, JDRF.
            Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com

The Pipers calling you to join him, Dear Jimmy, can you hear the wind blow,

and did you know your stairway lies on the whispering wind?

Jim, we know we were your everything! You were ours too! 

Rest easy, my love!

Wojcik’s

FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM

2157 PORTAGE AVENUE

204 - 897 - 4665

www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com