1937 – 2022
It is with deep sadness and much love that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Patience of St. Albert, on February 8, 2022, at the age of 84.
He will be forever missed by his family: children, Tracy (Rick) and Paul (Sandra); three granddaughters, Amanda (Doug), Camryn and Olivia; two great-grandsons, Kaiden and Matthew; niece Susan, and her children, Eileen and Ian; family in Scotland, nephews, Andy (Diane) and Sandy (Alison); niece Debbie (Ian); and special cousin, Maureen (Lewis); and by numerous friends and neighbours.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret; brothers Alexander and Robert; and parents, Mary and James.
Jim served in the British Army, driving an ambulance in Libya during the Suez Crisis. While there, he had a brush with fame when his ambulance (Katy) was featured in a film. Unfortunately, it was only his ambulance as they chose an actor to drive it, thereby crushing any dreams of Hollywood. Jim moved to Canada from Edinburgh in 1968, Margaret followed in 1969, and shortly thereafter they started their family. He brought with him his love of football, and played on many teams in Edmonton and St. Albert as well as coaching his kids' and other teams. After his football days were over, he still enjoyed watching-especially his 2 favourite teams; Hibernian FC and whichever team his granddaughter was on-he rarely missed a game. He worked at CN as a carman, where he built many great friendships that lasted a lifetime. Jim's first priority was his family. He attended countless games and concerts, acted as set designer for his kid’s impromptu variety shows and supported his grandkids in all of their activities. He was liked and respected wherever he went, always willing to help friends, family and strangers. Anyone who knew him for more than 3 minutes would usually be treated (subjected?) to a dad joke, and he had a great sense of humour. Although he called Canada his home for almost 54 years, his heart remained in Scotland and he went back as often as he could. He could often be heard, humming a Scottish song, as he went about his day. In the last few years of his life, Jim struggled with Dementia. The staff and fellow clients of the Adult Day Program were a blessing, and Jim loved his time there.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Connelly Mckinley St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert. Those choosing to attend are required to wear masks in accordance with provincial health mandates. Interment of Jim’s urn will follow at St. Albert Catholic Cemetery.
In honour of Jim, and his love for Hibernian FC, the family asks that you wear green and white.
Donations may be made to the Sturgeon Community Hospital Adult Day Support Program , 201 Boudreau Rd, St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4.
To view the service or to send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
