July 11, 1941 – December 8, 2024
Jim peacefully passed away at the age of 83 at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Center after a long battle with vascular dementia.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Kirkness, children Darcy (Reid) Robertson, Barbara (Jim) Spencer, and James (Carla) Kirkness and ten grandchildren Lindsay (Joseph), Katie (TJ), Scott, Holly (Ryan), Brooklyn, Allyson, Gordon, Jessie, Avery and Abigail as well as three great grandchildren Hudson, Noah and Wesley. He is predeceased by his parents Doris (Bulega) and Edward Kirkness.
Jim was born on a farm near Selkirk, Manitoba where he lived until the family moved to Winnipeg. From a young age Jim took an interest in sports, which later became his true passion. Although he would play any sport that would allow him to compete, he specifically excelled at football, hockey, baseball and later curling.
Jim met Cheryl Medway in 1961 and after three years of dating, the two were married on May 16, 1964. Together they welcomed three children, Darcy, Barbara and James. Jim and Cheryl had a happy and loving marriage, sharing many interests, morals and the importance of family. Over their 63 years of marriage, they loved spending time at the lake with family and friends and watching countless sporting events of their children and grandchildren.
Jim spent most of his career in the banking sector working as a Loan’s Officer and Bank Manager with the Royal Bank of Canada. After retirement, Jim worked summers as a sales representative at Canada One where he continued his enjoyment of working with people.
As a father and grandfather, Jim always instilled the value of family and being together. He taught the importance of hard work and dedication to be successful whether that be in school, work or sports.
Jim won a National Football Championships with the St. Vital Bulldogs and participated in two Winnipeg Blue Bomber camps. He won a Provincial and Canadian Mixed Curling Championship as well as coached his daughters to a National Junior Women’s Championship and his son to a Canada Winter Games Gold Medal. Jim was inducted into both the Manitoba Football and Curling Hall of Fame.
We know that Jim, our devoted husband, father and grandfather will be waiting, curling broom in hand, for the next game to begin.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre for the wonderful care they gave Jim.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vic’s “LITTLE VIPs” fund through the Winnipeg Foundation at 204-944-9474.
The Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg, Mb.
11 thoughts on “Edward James (Jim) Kirkness”
Sincere condolences James, Carla, Avery and Abigail on the passing of your Dad and Grandpa.
Susan and Randy
Jim was such a joyous man, such a pleasure to spend time with him, Cheryl, and his family. A positive role model to his family and everyone who knew him.
Jim will be sadly missed.
With love and sincere condolences,
Diana (Robertson) O’Malley
Extremely heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a coach, mentor, friend and at times a Dad to a lot of us. The life lessons will never be forgotten. Rest in peace coach!!
Barb and Darcy, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I’ll always remember him watching your games. He didn’t miss too many!!! Many lovely memories to cherish.💕
Very sad news, my condolences to all his family, Cheryl, Darcy and Reid, Barb and Jim, James and Carla, his grandchildren and great grandkids, cherish all the memories he leaves for his family, R.I.P. Jim.
James, Carla and family, I am holding you close in my thoughts as you navigate through this. May Jim’s presence always be felt, and his love continue to surround you.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Jim with whom I had some curling successes. My condolences to Cheryl, Darcy, Barbara and James who I came to know well between the late 60s to mid-70s. He was of a big brother in some ways..
So sorry to hear of your husband, dad, grandfathers passing. Always enjoyed a visit with him usually watching a curling game. He will be missed, treasure the memories!
Alan, Norma Purdy
Rest in Peace, Coach.
Such sad news. Jim was a great guy and a heck of a curler and he and his wife raised three great kids and great curlers. Condolences to the family.
I enjoyed working with Jim while he was in the Financial Services industry. My condolences for your loss, Darcy, Reid and family. Cherish your memories. Rest in peace, Jim.