James (Jim) Joseph Denis Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

James (Jim) Joseph Denis

November 10, 1946 - January 27, 2017

Obituary For James (Jim) Joseph Denis

Tom and Pauline Denis welcomed me into the world on November 10, 1946. After traveling through Saskatchewan and British Columbia, we finally settled in the Silver Valley / Spirit River area.

Growing up I had so many wild and crazy adventures with my friends, brothers and sisters - I broke into laughter many times reminiscing about them. It was in Spirit River that I met the love of my life (in the hospital of all places) – thank you Dr. Block for your matchmaking efforts! I married Donna a year after I met her and we realized some wonderful dreams over the course of our marriage. The birth of my daughter Stacey and my son Robbie was such a blessing.

I made it a priority to do things with my kids, took them fishing, taught them to shoot and guided them as they grew up to become the wonderful children I always imagined them to be. And when the grandchildren, Maddie, Ryley and Jack, came along, oh how I loved them - that was just the icing on the cake!

I earned my living working in the oilfield and farming. When farming became too onerous, I applied my farming skills to growing vegetable gardens, teased for, but proud of, my perfectly straight rows. I enjoyed spending my days visiting my friends and acknowledging these “young kids” with a smile and a wink.

While I have been told that I am a man of many talents, I truly loved anything to do with hockey, fishing, hunting, gold panning, garage sales, and fixing old things, making them new again.

James (Jim) Denis passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017, at the age of 70 years.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Tom and Pauline Denis, and leaves to mourn his wife of 45 years Donna; children: Stacey and Robert (Candace); grandchildren: Maddie, Ryley and Jack; brothers: Tom, John (June), and Ed (Vicky); sisters: Aquina and Mary (Rob) Weintz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. Jim was loved and will be greatly missed.

Prayers will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017, at 7:00pm, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spirit River (5019 43 Ave.).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 2:00pm, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spirit River. The eulogy and lunch will follow after the burial at the Centennial Hall (4812 44 Ave.).

Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to Covenant House Vancouver (575 Drake St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 4K8), or if you see someone on the street who is hungry, buy them a meal.

Services

3 Feb

Prayer Service

19:00 PM

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church - Spirit River , Get Directions »

4 Feb

Funeral Service

14:00 PM

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church - Spirit River , Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

McWilliam (Obritsch) Dave & Linda

Dave and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss Donna. We are sending our love, prayers, condolences and a big hug to you, the family and all Jim's siblings. Jim was a great cousin and we spent some good times together when they would come down and visit Grandma and Grandpa Denis in Fox Valley. It's tough when you lose a loved one but you will always cherish those great memories. My Mom, Frances Obritsch, also passes on her condolences to all the family. Love Dave & Linda
June 24, 2021

Smith Dan

Never know what to say in these situations just want you all to know how much enjoyed you as next door neighbors and friends. Will always remember the visits, us shooting muskrats in our dugouts, his willingness to always borrow his tractor so I could Plowright out our driveway and yard, the fishing stories etc . I'm not able to attend the funeral but know that my heart and prayers are with you all during the days ahead. God Bless. Dan Smith
June 24, 2021

Galbraith Lloyd and Darcey

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your husband and father.
June 24, 2021

Doll-Eskdale Pat

Gave Jim a hug at Florence's celebration of life. Very hard to believe... tight hugs to each of you. Such fond memories of your family; always a Class A act. Be kind to yourselves as you face this huge loss. Much love from Dave & Pat, Kevin, Coralie, Annette and families. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Ed & Vicky too .... so sorry !
June 24, 2021

Kelly Daniel (Dan)

Donna & Family; Simple words cannot express the deep sadness in my heart for your loss Donna & family. Jim was a wonderful man whom I both respected & admired greatly. Wishing you all strength, during your time of grief & peace in knowing that Jim's memory will be carried with you into the future. Deepest Condolences; Dan Kelly.
June 24, 2021

Hemmingway John and Lenore

We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Jim was such a wonderful person and we and the communities are going to miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna & family , all Jim's siblings and their families and his many friends. It was a pleasure knowing Jim. He will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend......until we meet again.
June 24, 2021

Rymhs Roger

Donna and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. I got to know Jim primarily through times spent ice-fishing and chats at the local hockey arena. I quickly gained an appreciation for his caring and thought ways. Family meant so much to him, just as mine does to me. I hope you are blessed with peace. My most sincere condolences to you all!
June 24, 2021

Boire(Senger) Diana

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I haven't seen Jim in many years but am sad to hear that we have lost another family member. Please share my condolences with Jim's brothers and sisters and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
June 24, 2021

Erickson Wayne

On behalf of my two sons Curtis and Drake I am passing along our deepest sympathies to each and every one of you. We still enjoy the many e-mails Jim sent to us and I in particular will sorely miss my good friend and partner in so many fun times, I am so sorry that I can't make it up north but my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Jim was a Good Man, I was lucky to have known him. I will miss him. God bless and keep safe each and every member of your family Donna. Love Wayne and Family
June 24, 2021

Pybus Del and Marion

Our sympathy to Donna, Stacey, Rob and all the family at this time. Del enjoyed the coffee hours with Jim and they traded 'neighborly help' over the years - Jim always willing to lend a hand. This past spring Jim shared extra corn seed and we had fresh corn in the fall. Take care and treasure your special memories. Del and Marion Pybus and family
June 24, 2021

Nilsson Barry

I received a call last week from Clarence Klassen with the sad news of Jim's passing. I 'm so sorry for your loss, I have many great memories of time working with Jim. He was always so full of life and ready to take on anything we could think of, sometimes we even got some work done. I especially remember how proud he was of his family and was never shy about letting me know how much they meant to him, again I'm so sorry for your loss.
June 24, 2021

Obritsch Rosalee

Sending our love and sympathy to all of our Spirit River cousins and their families. Please remember that we keep you in our 🙏 as you grieve the loss of your family member. Sure wish Howard and I were able to be with you today and reconnect with the Denis Family. Yesterday we said farewell to cousin Peter Frey. We sure did feel the love and support for him and the Frey family in the Battleford area. I have the feeling that Spirit River also has that same wonderful community feeling because that's what small towns are all about. With Sympathy, Howard & Rosalee Obritsch
June 24, 2021

Block Susan

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this sad & difficult time. Sue Block
June 24, 2021

Deitner James

I just heard today of Jim's passing and my deepest condolences go to you and your family. It was always a pleasure seeing the two of you at Snipe Lake and talking to Jim about all the fishing. My thoughts are with you. James Deitner

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