James "Jim" J. Kerwin

James J. “Jim” Kerwin

            It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James J. “Jim” Kerwin on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Portage District General Hospital, at the age of 88 years.

            Jim was predeceased by his wife Yvonne, his parents John and Ernestine, his brothers Clifford, Frank and Eddie.

            Left to cherish and mourn his passing are his children Elaine (Bob) Kilmer of Victoria, BC, Jim of Calgary, Alta, Sue (Ken) of Portage la Prairie, MB, Richard (Corrina) of Camrose, Alta, Judy (Tony) of Portage la Prairie, MB, Shirley (Ward) Fyke of Winnipeg, MB and Bill (Shannon) of St Francis, MB.

            He will be lovingly remembered by his 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, his only sister Florence (Chuckie) Dinelle of Ottawa, Ont and several nieces, nephews and friends.

            Jim was born February 18, 1929 and was raised and received his grade 10 education in Ottawa, Ont. At the young age of 18, he joined the RCAF in 1949, where he was stationed over the 27 years to 5 different provinces, until his retirement in 1976 in Portage la Prairie.

            He met the love of his life and on July 7, 1951 he married Yvonne Dinelle at St Francois d’assise Church in Ottawa. It was then they began their life together.

            With a large family, leisure time was spent with his boys and their local hockey teams. He had a passion for horse racing and pool. He was always up for a good dance and a “cold one”. You could even see him playing the spoons. He immensely enjoyed spending time with his family. You could see it in his eyes how proud he was. Socializing with everyone brought him great joy. He never lost his sense of humor, laughter, teasing and a good debate was all part of his everyday.

            Private family services will be held at a later date.

            Should friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Brandon Office, Unit 3-2430 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB R7B 0M5.

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