James John Gerwing

Jim was born on May 6, 1932, in Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan to Peter Bernard Gerwing and Rose Katherine Britz.

Jim entered St. Peter’s College in Muenster, Sask., in 1946 and joined the monastery there in June of 1951. He studied Philosophy (BA) and theology at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn., and was ordained a Catholic priest in June 1958. He received an MA in History from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1962. During the next six years, he taught at St. Peter’s, became dean of discipline, and coached basketball.

In 1967, Jim attended an art course in Banff, where he met Ruth Patricia Hirst and her daughter Theresa. He left the monastery in 1968. He married Ruth, became Papa to Theresa, and a year later, Jennifer was born.

Jim and his family lived in Central Alberta for 13 years, the last 11 he worked as an instructor and administrator at Red Deer College. Amongst many other volunteer activities, he was president of the Red Deer International Folk Festival Society (1974-1976) and Vice-President of the Alberta Folk Arts Council (1976-1978). During 1974-1980, he participated in Canadian Cultural Identity Seminars, traveling across Canada. He was an executive member of the Alberta Cultural Heritage Council (1978-1981) and was particularly honored to be presented with an Eagle Coup Feather by Cal Dupree to thank him for his unselfish work. He obtained a MEd from the University of Alberta in 1981.

In that same year, Jim, Ruth, and Jennifer moved to Victoria, BC. Jim was instrumental in starting St. Andrew’s High School, becoming its principal. He and Ruth moved to Bellingham, Washington in 1991, working for Sacred Heart Church until 1997. They moved back to Victoria in 2000. Ruth died in 2001. In 2003, Jim met Sharon, where they lived together in James Bay until Jim’s death.

Jim was an active volunteer during his time in Victoria, including being a Big Brother and a docent at the Royal British Columbia Museum. He did set construction at Langham Court Theatre (echoing earlier volunteer work in Red Deer for Central Alberta Theatre). He was also a driving force at the James Bay Beacon for many years.

Jim was a true Renaissance man: a prolific writer, carver, lecturer, painter, story-teller, cartoonist, carpenter, and master in the kitchen.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Gerwing, brothers Alois Gerwing and Raymond Gerwing, and sister Alma Bennet.

Jim is survived by his partner, Sharon Max, daughters Theresa Corvino (William) and Jennifer Gerwing (Ian Putnam), brother Daniel Gerwing (Mary Ann), and sisters Marian Phaneuf (Ray) and Lillian Bauml.

Jim’s family is especially grateful for the compassion and support provided by the Home Care nurses, Victoria Hospice, and Dr. Stephanie Green and her team. Donations to Victoria Hospice are welcome in Jim’s memory.

We gather to remember and honor his life on Friday, May 19 at 2:00 at First Memorial, 1155 Fort St. Tea and refreshments will follow the service.

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