JAMES (JIMMY) DURCAN

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JAMES (JIMMY) DURCAN On May 27, 2011 at St. Boniface Hospital, Jimmy passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He is survived by Mary, his beloved wife of 50 years; his three children Maria (Rick Higgins), Liam (Florence Erdmann) and Anne (Alec Macaulay); his nine grandchildren, Meghan, Sean, Justin, Maura, Helen, Patrick, Niall, Julia, Thomas; three sisters, Bea, Celia and Annie; brothers-in-law Maurice Cremin and Martin Cowley; sister-in-law Kathleen Hennessy, and numerous nieces and nephews in Ireland, England, Spain, Luxembourg, Australia and Africa. He was predeceased by his infant son, Patrick. Jimmy was born in Bonniconlon, County Mayo, Ireland, on September 11, 1936, the eleventh child of James and Anne Durcan. He apprenticed as an electrician in London, England, where he met his future wife, Mary (née O'Mahony) who had just finished her nursing training. They immigrated to Canada in 1960, and married soon after. Jim worked for the Winnipeg School Division #1 for 27 years. After retirement, Jim started his own business, Adare Electric. He loved to work at his trade. He lived in Winnipeg for more than 50 years, and despite being very proud of his Irish heritage, he felt fortunate to live and raise his family in Canada. Jim was known for his smile that would light up a room and a warm heart that touched so many. He loved life, was generous with his time and skill, and loved to help others. He was a happy, decent and gentle man. He had a strong commitment to social justice, and led a great example for his family to follow. He was an active member of St. Bernadette's Catholic Parish, the Irish Association of Manitoba, and the New Democratic Party. Jim valued the time spent with friends golfing and at the Irish Club. In later years, after his initial illness, he loved his weekly coffee outings with friends. Jim took great pleasure in spending time with his children and grandchildren, and was proud of their accomplishments. He loved his wife dearly and they enjoyed many happy memories together. He and Mary maintained strong ties with family in Ireland, and cherished visits and calls overseas. Until last week he would call his family weekly to say hello. The last five years of his life were marked by health challenges, which he faced with courage and good humour. His strength and resilience were an inspiration to all of us. Through all this he was sustained by the love of his family and the tireless devotion of his dearly beloved wife. His family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of St. Boniface Hospital for the outstanding care given over the last five years, especially Dr. Turnley Wong, the nurses of ACF Medicine, the pacemaker clinic, Dr. Doris Kyeremateng. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room, Medical Intensive Care, Dr. Zieroth and her team for the exceptional and compassionate care that Jim received. Thanks as well to Father Cahill for always being there. Jim felt very fortunate in his life, and recognized the many blessings of family and friends. He loved and was loved well in return. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m., and Funeral Mass Wednesday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Fr. Fred Olds at St. Bernadette's Parish, 820 Cottonwood Road. Burial at St. Boniface Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation or Human Resources, St. Bernadette's Parish. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2011