Melvin "Mel" James

It is with heavy hearts and relief that the family of Melvin (Mel) James announce his passing on May 12, 2025 at the age of 90 after battling cancer for seven years.

Mel was born in Foam Lake, SK in 1935, and was raised in New Osgoode, SK by adoptive parents, Andrew and Hilda James. He grew up in a farming community that taught him the value of hard work.

Mel later moved to Edson, Alberta where met and married his beloved wife of 67 years, Jean Munro. They raised their four children in the Edson area. Mel had a variety of careers throughout his time in Edson. He drove trucks, taxi, operated a leasing company and garage. He was a handy guy and could do pretty much anything he set his mind to.

Mel and Jean moved to Osoyoos, BC in 1990 buying a campground. After selling the campground in 1999, Mel enjoyed driving a tour bus for a number of years. Retiring again, Mel was able to indulge in his love of golf, even earning a Gold medal in BC Seniors. They returned to Alberta in 2021 living in Spruce Grove.

Mel had a great sense of family and loved to be surrounded by them. In 1988, he found his birth family and got to know his mother and siblings. He enjoyed getting to know them and their families thereby extending his family.

Mel is survived by his loving wife Jean; his sons: Andrew (Cheryl), Stuart and Raymond as well as daughter, Rosemary Tindill and chosen daughter, Lilly Warriner. He is survived by 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, sister Faye Powers and brother Gerald ((Sandy) Rieber. He was predeceased by his parents, both birth and adoptive, sister Audrey Herbert, daughter-in-law, Andrea James and son-in-law, Dave Tindill.

A memorial will be held at 1:00 pm on May 24, 2025 at the Christian Congregational Church located at 445 King Street in Spruce Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Myeloma Canada in his memory.