Jim Fahlman was born to Leo and Clara Fahlman, 6 March 1939, in Regina SK. He was the oldest of 12 siblings. The family farmed around Francis, SK for many years. He attended elementary school in Francis and high school in Sedley. Jim's first job out of high school was as an orderly in the Saskatchewan Hospital in Weyburn. Jim started a correspondence course in Power Engineering while he was working at the hospital, and this eventually became his career. Jim met his future wife, Irene, in 1960 and they became husband and wife in 1963. The happy couple stayed in Weyburn for five years before moving to Yorkton in 1968. Jim and Irene welcomed three rug rats, Richard in 1966, Grant in 1968 and Sharla in 1971. They made a home in Yorkton for many years before moving to Saskatoon in 2000.
Jim was very active with his family and became extensively involved in the community. He introduced the Block Parent program into the Catholic schools. He coached baseball and assisted with local hockey programs. Jim enjoyed working with young people as the president of the band association. He loved being a chaperone for the Special Olympics' athletes. He was a Cub Scout Leader for many years and taught the gun safety program in Yorkton.
Jim was a very spiritual man. He was heavily involved in his church parish. He trained altar boys in the church, was a communion minister, acolyte, Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator with the Knights of Columbus. After retiring as a Power Engineer in 1994 he looked after the maintenance of St. Gerard's Church for six years.
In the marriage contract he signed in 1963, he agreed to take on all maintenance tasks including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall, concrete work, painting, landscaping and general contracting in his "honey do" list. Despite the extensive, never-ending list of chores Jim and Irene were married 62 years this past July. In his spare time, he added baking, BBQing, cooking, house cleaning, laundry, pet care and taxi service. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and building / fixing / tinkering in his garage. He carted his family as far south as Tijuana, Mexico; as far west as Victoria, BC; as far north as Waskesiu park. He always did the driving and never complained. He was an avid reader, loved watching TV and heaven help you if you touch the thermostat. In these later years he was far less mobile and spent a great deal of time on his computer.
In his older years, Jim found that there was another great love in his life, his grandchildren. He became very involved with Jessica, Reese and Jaxon as they grew and entered into their sports and dance activities. He loved playing with them and driving them to their respective classes, athletic training and events. Soraya came later and stole his love as well. Recently Kingston and Greyson Falhman and Theo Johnson joined the family. Jim just counted the hours before they visited. He just loved teasing the two older boys and savoring their company. Although Austin and Tyson lived further away, his love for them was just as strong. There was nothing in his life that brought him more pleasure than his grandchildren.
Jim was predeceased by his dad and mom, Leo and Clara, his two brothers, Arnold and Don. The day before he passed, he had the opportunity to say ''good-bye'' to his grand kids, great grand kids, his brothers and sisters, and other extended family. Jim passed peacefully into God's loving arms surrounded by his immediate family on 23 October. He was loved and respected by so many and will surely be missed.
Funeral arrangements in care of Shane Lilley of Mourning Glory Funeral Services, (306) 978-5200.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Cathedral of the Holy Family (123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, SK). For those unable to attend please join the livestream at https://youtube.com/live/H9fSqS5HdRk?feature=share.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation or Lung Saskatchewan.
