James "Jim" Alexander Chapchuk

Jim was born in Lamont, Alberta, and was raised on the family farm in Alder Flats, Alberta. He graduated from Winfield High School. Jim married Colleen Clark in 1966, and little did she know the years of adventure ahead: the most important being the births of their three children: James, Ronalee, and Morley.

Jim was a farm boy, prankster, wrestler, oil man, world traveller, adventurer, mountain climber, boat captain, coffee farmer, risk taker, phenomenal conversationalist and most of all a great husband and father. He risked everything to give his family a better life by setting off, young family in tow, for the offshore rigs of Borneo, the city life of Singapore, then the coasts of Brazil, and the deserts of Egypt and the Sudan. We will miss his curiosity for life, his “knack” for making us believe the fantastical and the spark in his eye when a philosophical, political or ethical debate started at the kitchen table.

The family returned to Alberta in 1983 and settled in Parkland County. Jim continued to work in the oil fields of Alberta and Saskatchewan. He helped many young men get their start in directional drilling.

Jim was a wonderful husband and father, and in 2010, he became a grandpa to Shanese, Garrison, and Makena Veitch. Jim loved being a grandpa, and looked forward to every visit.

Jim and Colleen loved their property on the BC coast and spent many wonderful times with family and friends boating, fishing and watching the waves…

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Colleen; his son James; his daughter Rona Ambrose Veitch (J.P.) and their children Shanese, Makena, and Garrison; and his son Morley. He is also survived by his sister Sylvia Hucal and her family; brother Ben Chapchuk (Jackie) and their family; and brother Bob Chapchuk and his family. Jim leaves lifelong friends both at home and abroad.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Julia and Metro Chapchuk, his sister Bernice and brother-in-law David Leslie, and brother-in-law Sandy Hucal. He was also predeceased by his parents-in-law, Jean and Murray Clark, and brother-in-law Gordon Lindholm. He was predeceased by his faithful travelling companion, Fergus.

Jim’ s family would like to thank the Management and Staff of the Stony Plain Care Centre for the loving care given to Jim during the past three years, and especially the last month of his life.

Celebration of Jim’s life to be held on Sept. 23rd at 1:00 PM at the Pioneer Valley Barn, Spruce Grove (51514, Range Road 271, Spruce Grove - easy to find on Google Map). Please dress for the weather as the service will be outside. We would ask you to make a donation to the Good Samaritan Society Stony Plain Care Centre in lieu of flowers.