JAMES IRVINE JACKSON

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JAMES IRVINE (IRV) JACKSON November 13, 1929 - May 4, 2016 Irv has moved on after a full, good life. He leaves with cherished memories his wife of 63 years Anne, son James M. (Denise), grandson J. Jason (Diana) and their children Nico and Rocco, grandson Michael R., granddaughter Renée P. (Ryan Drul), many members of his extended family, and many, many good friends. He was predeceased by his brother Robert. Irvine was born to Laura and James Jackson and raised in St. Boniface where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood and youth, known as "Red" for his hair. He enjoyed every sport: hockey, football and curling especially; and was always up for a challenge. His favorite spot in the whole world was the cottage at Winnipeg Beach. When a youth Red tended the Boardwalk Bumper Cars and was well known in that community. He won many awards for his endeavors: marksman with the 402 Squadron Air Cadets; rower with the Winnipeg Rowing Club to name but a few. Irvine followed his father into Masons which became a lifelong passion. His Football prowess must have been truly legendary, when in 1983 Irv was invited to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers open try-outs. Somebody remembered the all-star center and defensive lineman for the Norwood-St. Boniface Legionnaires (1949-54) and 0-lineman for the 1955 Legion 141. He laced up once again ready to give all for the team, (Winnipeg Free Press May 9, 1983). Dad loved a good joke and dove right in on this one, as at that time he was 53 years of age. Irv was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame: as a player; and, as a coach for the Norwood Elks, Weston Wildcats, and the Winnipeg Hawkeyes. Irv's Football Family is extensive. Irvine would also serve in the executive in almost all of the organizations he was involved with. For a time Irv did have real jobs, working for Manitoba Hydro where for a time he was also the union local president. He retired from there in 1984 and then joined Anne in running the Rosery Florists. Irv gave of himself selflessly, something that has touched everyone in all facets of his life. Irv's loyalty, integrity and humility inspired others. Irvine made lifelong friends in much of what he did. He progressed through the chairs in Masonry as a member of the Norwood Lodge and much enjoyed his membership in the Shriners. Irv loved being a member of the Khartum Temple Oriental Band ("with the sweetest sound this side of Mecca"). He was a member of Tai Chi, and the Bronx Good Neighbours Harmonica Group and he was the first treasurer of the Herb Society of Manitoba. A funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic Memorial Temple, 420 Corydon Ave. Irvine was a kind, generous soul and he will be sorely missed. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2016