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DR. JAMES EARL IRVING
Date of Passing: Jun 27, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. JAMES EARL IRVING
At Toronto General Hospital on June 27, following a hopeful and successful surgery, Jim lost his battle for recovery, with his loving family by his side.
Jim leaves behind a family who loved him dearly. His wife of 56 years, Sue. His children Sean (Jayme), Suzanne (Parker), Chris (Lise-Marie) and Jenni (Bryan). His grandchildren Mackenzie, Sydney, Avery, Lachlan, Elle, Élise and Bodhi. He will be deeply missed by his brother Gerry (Carol), his brother-in-law John Robertson (Barbara Jean) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Viva and father William.
During his formative years, growing up in Arcola, Saskatchewan and Flin Flon, Manitoba, Jim developed a fierce love for the prairies and the game of hockey. Whether tying his toboggan to the back of a horse-drawn dray or spending hours on outdoor ice with frozen toes and a hockey stick in hand, he loved it all. At Christmas, in Grade 8, Jim moved with his family to Winnipeg and attended Churchill High School where he formed lifelong friendships. Both an athlete and a scholar, by the time Jim graduated he was playing hockey with the Winnipeg Rangers, had won a Governor General's Medal for academic achievement, had given a Valedictorian speech at year end and had been crowned King of Churchill by his peers!
Jim continued to balance his hockey and academic lives when he attended the University of Manitoba and obtained a Commerce degree, while also playing hockey with the U of M Bisons and doing a tour with Canada's National B Hockey Team to Finland, Sweden and Russia.
Individual awards during this time frame included: 1963-64 - Manitoba's Outstanding Junior Athlete Award and the Carl Pederson Memorial Trophy for outstanding scholastic and athletic achievements, as well as the 39th Field Cadet Trophy for most gentlemanly player combined with outstanding ability in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. 1965 - University of Manitoba Athlete of the Year and the Dick Herbertson Memorial Trophy for all round ability in athletics and academic pursuits, and, from the School of Commerce, The Mrs. V. McLaughlin Memorial Award. 1996 - Induction into the U of M Bison Hockey Hall of Fame.
Team awards included playing on the U of M Bisons Hockey Team which won the national C.I.A.U. championships in 1964-65. This team was later inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1967 Jim spent the summer in Africa with Operation Crossroads Africa before heading off to West Berlin, Germany to play hockey for the 1967-68 season. In 1968-69 he rejoined Canada's National Hockey Team.
Not one to scale back his ambitions, in 1971-72 Jim went to U of W to pick up some pre-med courses, welcomed his first son into the world and went to Lake Placid, New York, where he played with the Canadian University All Star team in the World University Student games. The following year with two young children at home, Jim started his medical journey and upon graduating moved with his family to Dauphin where he worked as a GP. Four years later it was time for a new challenge – a five-year residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. When Jim graduated with his FRCS in 1986, he had four wonderful children and a career that he loved.
When first married, Jim was introduced to lake life at Sue's family cottage at Winnitoba in the Whiteshell and took to it like a duck takes to water. He loved the backcountry canoe trips, the satisfaction of chopping firewood for the fireplaces (our only source of heat) the fun and competitiveness of card games with the younger generation and of course, Happy Hour on the deck or dock. Over the years the lake became a magnet for family from near and far. When not at the lake or working, Jim and Sue were lucky enough to travel the world together.
Always a team man, Jim relished his time spent with The Magnificent Seven fishing group, his epic Voyageur Route canoe companions and the golfers at Breezy Bend and beyond.
Jim was a hard worker, an adventurer, an athlete, scholar and family man. He lived a rich and full life. He is missed more than we can say.
The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional and compassionate care of Dr. David Christiansen and team in Winnipeg, Dr. Laura Donahoe and Dr. Marc de Perrot in Toronto, and for the dedicated round the clock care provided by all of the ICU doctors, nurses and staff.
If desired, a donation can be made to the United Way or a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Breezy Bend Country Club on Friday, October 2, at 1:30 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2026
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Condolences to family and friends of Jim Irving. We knew him primarily through hockey. He was a good player and a valuable member of the Canadian National Hockey Team that played out of Winnipeg in the late 1960s. He was a good friend to everyone he played with. Later he accomplished so much and remained a modest, friendly gentleman. Morris and Raymonde Mott - Posted by: Morris and Raymonde Mott (friends) on: Jul 21, 2026
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Sue and family So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you. We have so many fond memories of our times together in Dauphin. Fondly Allan and Lynne - Posted by: Allan and Lynne Becker (Freind) on: Jul 21, 2026
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Jim was what we hoped all our orthopaedic residents might become. A great surgeon but first a compassionate physician, a caring human being. What a privilege to have been able to call him my colleague and friend. Condolences to Sue and family. I will never not miss him. Brian Black ( colleague ) July 2026 - Posted by: Brian Black (Colleague) on: Jul 20, 2026
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Grieved to read about Jim's passing. I knew him as a colleague at the Manitoba Clinic. More recently, I would see him at the RehFit. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Shashi Seshia (he/him) - Posted by: Shashi Seshia (Colleague-friend) on: Jul 20, 2026
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Jim was in my class for my last years at Churchill High School. He had many gifts, but I will remember him most for his quiet and gentlemanly manner. I am grateful to have sat beside him at one of our class reunion breakfasts at The Oakwood Cafe, as this gave us a little time to catch-up. (I have been living in the Toronto/Richmond Hill area for many years,) I remember Jim's speaking especially that day of the pride he felt in his grandchildren, and of one in particular who had recently won a swimming award, Perhaps they received their enjoyment of the water from Jim's tales of paddling the Winnipeg River with our classmate Phil Murray. At that time Jim and Phil had recently completed a trip down the Winnipeg River to Lake Winnipeg--quite a feat! Rest in peace, Jim. Your life enriched many others. Sydney Elizabeth (Beth) Porter. Richmond Hill, ON - Posted by: Sydney Elizabeth (Beth) Porterr (High school classmate) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Condolences to the family. I was Dr. Irving's office nurse when he worked in the Department of Orthopedics at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg. I was also a patient of his. I enjoyed and learned a lot from him. I went on to work on Orthopedic units until I retired from nursing. Once again condolences to the family. - Posted by: Heather Wenzel (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Jim was a wonderful person. A great athlete in younger years and subsequently a great physician and surgeon. He was a consummate gentleman, humble, intelligent and knowledgeable. We will miss him and the example he taught to all of us. - Posted by: Peter MacDonald (Colleague) on: Jul 18, 2026
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So many wonderful memories of a truly great, talented and kind person. Uof W Wesman hockey games, figuring out solar at the lake, times with the kids. Chris drinking all my beer with my nephew. He will be so dearly missed. - Posted by: Don Pincock (Susan’s cousin.) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Played with Jim and two other Orthopaedic surgeons at Breezy Bend over the years. He was truly a Gentleman . Very kind man. I am saddened about the family’s loss. He will be remembered. - Posted by: Ross Brown (Golfing buddy at Breezy Bend Golf Course) on: Jul 18, 2026
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I have a lifetime of memories I would love to share with the family including Churchill, Commerce, sports and trips. Last saw him at my sister's funeral in November when he shared his concern with this surgery. - Posted by: Rich Whitehouse (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Dr Irving was a kind and gentle soul! My surgeon, twice! He provided compassionate care that I deeply appreciated! My sincere condolences to his family! ~ Nadine Miller 🌹 - Posted by: Nadine Miller (Patient/client) on: Jul 18, 2026
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My deepest sympathies to all of Dr. Irving’s family. I had the privilege of working with Dr Irving as a Registered Nurse at HSC. I deeply admired his kindness, gentleness and patient focus. My husband was fortunate to be the recipient of his care after a squash injury. As new parents to a 3 month old baby we were always appreciative of the excellent care provided in ER, the OR, and post-op. I know he will be very missed by many. - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Colleague) on: Jul 18, 2026
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My deepest sympathies to all of Dr. Irving’s family. I had the privilege of working with Dr Irving as a Registered Nurse at HSC. I deeply admired his kindness, gentleness and patient focus. My husband was fortunate to be the recipient of his care after a squash injury. As new parents to a 3 month old baby we were always appreciative of the excellent care provided in ER, the OR, and post-op. I know he will be very missed by many. - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Colleague) on: Jul 18, 2026