James Robert Malcolm

James, or Jim as he was known to most, was born on a farm near Innisfail on Sept 1, 1936, the second of 3 children. He spent his early working life doing many jobs -- cowboy, railway conductor, farmer, house painter, construction worker -- to name just a few. After spending a year in BC in the early ‘60s attending university he ended up at the U of A in Edmonton studying education, where, after graduation, he taught junior high school, mostly language arts, for the rest of his professional career. He took a great deal of pride and pleasure in his relationships with his students, and always went a little beyond what was expected of him when it came to their welfare and success. Most of his students will probably remember the library he established in his room with books ranging from Garfield to Shakespeare.

He was blessed with a lovely tenor voice and lent his art to quartets and choirs as a young man and, when older, to the Richard Eaton Singers for several years. He loved books, music, animals (especially dogs and horses), fine cars, carpentry, technology, the study of history, and was a creative cook, using recipes as starting points. He was always wondering how he could improve a dish.

He possessed a wickedly ironic sense of humour and a kind and generous nature, always willing to offer help or support to those who needed it.

Those who had the pleasure of his friendship, who experienced his compassion and witnessed his courage, especially towards the end, are the better for having known him.

He was predeceased by his older sister, Carol Larkman and is survived by his wife, Cecilia; his sister, Ruth Berube (Phil); nephews, Michael Berube, Mark Berube, and James Larkman; and niece, Patricia McDonald (nee Larkman).

As per his wishes he was cremated, his ashes to be interned at a future date.