James William Gathercole

James William Gathercole was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away peacefully at the Providence Care Center on May 7, 2019. 

Jim was born September 6, 1934, in  Pincher Creek, Alberta, to parents Walter and Grace Gathercole . He grew up on a farm with 12 brothers and sisters and moved to Calgary at a young age. Jim and Fay met when he was in the hospital for a hernia surgery and Fay was his nurse. The two married on January 24, 1963 and their son, Brad, was born in 1965, and twin daughters, Kim and Kelly, in 1967. Jim had 8 grandchildren, Victoria, Aaron, Tyler, Jaclyn, James, Mitchell, McKenzie, and Mya. They knew him as Papa and loved treats from Papa’s garage. There was nothing more important to Jim than his family.

Jim wasn’t afraid of hard work or getting his hands dirty. He dedicated a large part of his life to volunteering on the Stampede Queen Committee, Caravan Committee,  the Grey Cup Committee, Lake Bonavista Community Association and Calgary Cavaliers . He also volunteered during the 1988 Winter Olympics, coached hockey and softball, and was an umpire for the semi pro league in Calgary.

Jim’s family and friends will always remember him for his caring heart, kind soul, strength, and incredible sense of humor. He taught those around him what love and compassion truly meant. The world was a better place for those who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family would like to thank staff at Providence Care Center for the exceptional level of care they provided to Jim. 

Please join family and friends to celebrate Jim’s life on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at The Commons - The Hemingway Room, 1204, 20th Ave. S.E., Calgary, AB. Drop in any time between 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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