Left to lovingly remember him are daughters Joanne Keselman (Harvey) and Jane Reid (Doug); grandchildren Chris Reid (Heather), Katie Mawhinney (Gerry) and Isaac Keselman (Maria), great-grandchildren Finn and Cooper Mawhinney; as well as nieces and nephews. James (Jim) was predeceased by Ethel, loving wife of 67 years; brother William (Bill); and parents William and Sarah Rogan.
Jim was born in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland. He came to Canada in 1926, settling in Vermillion, Alberta where he received his schooling. In 1939, he began a long and distinguished career with the then Canadian Bank of Commerce (now CIBC) that took him to small towns and cities across the Prairies in increasingly responsible positions - from teller, auditor and assistant branch manager to inspector (Calgary), superintendent (Winnipeg Regional Office of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario) and, ultimately, vice-president and regional general manager, Saskatchewan. Throughout his career, Jim was well known for his warm and engaging personality, and was admired and highly respected. He retired from CIBC in September of 1982.
In March of 1941, Jim took a leave of absence from the bank to enter military service. As a member of the RCAF, he was stationed overseas in Leeming and then Topcliffe, Yorkshire where he served as sergeant of the 1659 heavy conversion unit. At Topcliffe, Jim met his future wife, Ethel, who was a member of the RAF’s Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). He was discharged and returned to Canada and his career in banking in December of 1945. In recognition of his meritorious service during the wars years, he was awarded the British Empire Medal.
After the war, Jim telegraphed a proposal to Ethel who ventured to Canada and they were married in Calgary on August 16, 1947. They remained in Calgary for 18 years before moving to Winnipeg in 1965 and then Regina in 1976. On his retirement, they returned to Winnipeg to be near their family. At the time of his death, Jim was living in Dakota House where he enjoyed the company of many friends.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who always put his family first. He loved music and photography, and was an avid reader and gardener. During his retirement years, he spent many hours “working the world” on his amateur radio (VE4MT), contacting over 300 ARRL countries. Up until his passing, Jim remained keenly interested in current events and maintained his razor sharp memory, reciting or singing his favourite childhood poems or songs to family and friends.
Cremation has taken place. The family will be having a private memorial service.
Jim was a regular donor to many local charities. In lieu of flowers, if desired donations can be made in his memory to a charity of choice.
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