James David Roy

It is with profound sadness that the family of James David Roy shares with you his passing. Jim left us on January 7, 2025 at the age of 85.

He leaves to remember him with unending love, his children; Kim Zamkotowich, Greg Roy (Denise) and Scott Roy (Karla), as well as his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by; his sister Judy Taylor, brother Doug Roy, close companion Marlene Brown, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley (nee Hausegger) on January 11, 2007 and his infant grandson Kyle David Roy, who died tragically and unexpectedly from SIDS on February 11, 2011.Both unimaginable losses affected him greatly.

Jim met Shirley at school. They began dating when they were 15 years old and married at 21. The true definition of soul mates who were married for 46 years and only parted by Shirley’s death. Their relationship showed us that true love does exist.

Jim & Shirley enjoyed traveling together, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and camping across North America. They had many trips planned and Jim continued to travel after Shirley’s passing. He went to England and Scotland with his sister as well as to Italy with a friend.

Jim loved to play badminton, golf, follow his Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and he had season tickets to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He made his own wine (and drank it!). He loved his gardens (but hated those darn weeds). His yard was included in the Winnipeg Garden Tour for a number of years. The waterfall flowing into a pond populated with fish, built with the help of his sons, was the focal point and gave the family (as well as the birds, rabbits, raccoons, and some deer!) much enjoyment. Dad loved the birds, but was not as fond of the other backyard animals, who ate his flowers!

Dad had many backyard bird feeders and enjoyed watching them go about their daily business. The battle between Dad and the squirrels to make sure it was the birds who got to eat the bird seed was epic!

Jim joined the Manitoba Orchid Society in 1993. He was elected to the position of 2nd VP in 1995 and remained in that position until 1997. That is the position of Show Chair and he was responsible for securing a venue for the Manitoba Orchid Show, lining up judges, prizes, growers, plant sale tables, volunteers, seminars, guest speakers, etc. He was re-elected to that position from 2003-2007. He was happy to talk orchids and to answer questions about raising them. He was always present at the Manitoba Orchid Show as host and judge, even to wield a broom at clean-up time! His simply named “plant room”, in the basement of his home, was a sight to behold with many varieties of beautiful orchids under specially timed lights being tended to daily.

Jim was a founding member of the Winnipeg South Photo Club and it’s first treasurer in 1983. He was willing to share his vast knowledge of photography and took many amazing shots, some of which sold for others to enjoy. He went on several photo trips with other members and stayed an active member of the club until recently.

At 85, Jim was still in the home he bought with Shirley in 1964, still gardening, still meeting friends for Pasta Tuesdays, Wine & Bruschetta Friday’s at Original Joes, and Saturday morning coffee. Jim had a great sense of humour and loved to tease. If he didn’t tease you, he didn’t know you! He brought laughter wherever he went and his smile was contagious. He was always busy with his numerous interests and friends. Jim was an active member of Creative Retirement and enjoyed seminars and workshops to learn new things right to the end.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Jim’s cats, Bagheera and Baloo, who were a great comfort and source of enjoyment for him in his later years. His wish to “get home and pet the cats” is what kept him hanging on after being hospitalized in November 2024. Sadly, his heart was too tired to grant that wish.

Recently he said that his only regret was that he never got a hole in one playing golf. Maybe you’ll get one now Dad.

Dad spoke often about our mother and while in hospital he said “dying wouldn’t be so bad. I would see your mom again”. Give her a hug from us.

How lucky are we to have had a father so special that we miss you this much? As much as we hate not having you around, we are happy to know you are with mom and are at peace. You may not be with us anymore, but our love for you will never die.

Cremation has taken place and, at Dad’s request, there will be no formal funeral. As per Dad’s wishes his ashes will join Mom’s this summer.

A Celebration of a Life will be held this summer. Details yet to be announced.