James "Jim" Allan Thomas Latchford

On May 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., Jim passed away at the Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, following complications from surgery for an aggressive cancer in his neck. Jim entered the high-risk procedure with clear courage, and though he successfully made it through the operation, subsequent respiratory complications proved too much for his body to fight. He drew his final breaths surrounded by a dozen people who cherished him completely, including his wife Jean, daughter Betty, and son Allan.

Jim was born on August 19, 1940, in Belleville, Hastings, Ontario, to Delbert Thomas Latchford and Janet May Latchford (Soble). He was one of five children, predeceased by his siblings Ronald Robert Latchford (1963), Donald Richard Latchford (1963–2015), and Betty Marie Latchford (1942–2004), and survived by his sister, Joan Arlene Latchford (b. 1947).

On August 12, 1961, Jim married Jean Anne Wilsey while stationed with the military in Dellinghofen, Germany. Together, they built a family that spanned across continents and provinces. They welcomed their first child, Allan Thomas Latchford, in Germany on September 3, 1962. After returning to Canada, their family grew with the births of Caroline May Latchford on January 19, 1964, in Oshawa, Ontario (who later passed away in Edmonton on July 28, 2025), and Betty Katharine Latchford on September 14, 1968, in Calgary, Alberta.

Jim and Jean eventually settled long-term in Edmonton, Alberta, where they proudly welcomed four grandchildren: Evan Richard Latchford (b. July 30, 1986), Rayne-Anne Caroline Latchford Oosterveld (b. July 27, 1992), Kayleigh Patricia Moria Appleby (b. July 9, 2001), and Harrison John James Appleby (b. July 29, 2002). Their legacy continued with five great-grandchildren: Anastasia Nicole Latchford (b. 2006), Rosalind Constance Marie Latchford (b. 2014), Penelope Jean Latchford Oosterveld (b. 2016), Olly James Joshua Oosterveld (b. 2020), and Everest Lotty Rayne Oosterveld (b. 2024).

While these formal listings reflect his immediate biological lineage, Jim’s heart and love extended boundlessly to his entire extended family. He held a deep, equal love for his step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and those who married into the family. He also held a sacred place in his heart for the precious babies lost before delivery, who were never forgotten.

Jim was a man of immense generosity, known to all as a true "giver" who would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help a neighbour. To his family and friends, he was a natural magnet for joy, blessed with a brilliant photographic memory, an easygoing spirit, and a knack for incredible storytelling. Jim also loved his work as a mechanic over the years, particularly working with shovels and draglines. He was the center of his wife’s world, who described Jim as a completely selfless husband and a doting father who brought dignified respect and love to his many relationships.

He was equally treasured as a mischievous brother who filled his family’s lives with endless laughter and charm. From his youth borrowing dating money from his sister with interest, to wild summer days waterskiing on Quarry Lake, he loved a good adventure. As an older brother, he taught his sister to drive on back roads with unforgettable, firm coaching. In later years, Jim shared hilarious road trips to Montana with his family, where he was famously caught breaking a diet with giant Cinnabons, and lovingly fell victim to a sisterly rattlesnake prank. He leaves behind a legacy of deep love, community kindness, and a family who will forever miss his gentle and generous spirit.