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JAMES NORMAN PALMER (JIM)
Born: Jun 12, 1932
Date of Passing: Aug 01, 2021
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JAMES NORMAN PALMER
Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn; sons, Mitch (Heather) and Jay; grandchildren, Bryana, Brenley, Brody and Josh; sister-in-law Lynda (Jim), their daughter Lindsay, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Edith Palmer, siblings, Dorothy, Ruby, Vera, Grace, Violet, Fredrick and Reginald.
Jim was born at the original Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, MB on June 12, 1932. He was a proud and active member of the St. James community for his entire life. Jim lived life to the fullest. As a young man he was involved in many sports including baseball, track and field and hockey. He also played lacrosse and in 1951 his Junior All Star Team captured the Western Canadian Championship. His team and Jim individually were honoured in the Manitoba Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He was fondly remembered as the Break Away Kid. In addition, he played football for the Weston Wild Cats and then in 1954 he played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He also enjoyed curling and went to the Western Canadian Firefighters Championship and was awarded the all-star second. Later he went on to coach youth hockey, football, and lacrosse.
In 1952 Jim met Marilyn and they were married three years later. The two had a great partnership as Jim always knew to follow Marilyn's lead. He was so excited to have recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
Jim cherished his times at Grand Beach, MB. Growing up, Jim's parents took their whole family to Grand Beach on the train for two weeks each summer. Jim continued this tradition by building his own camping trailer and going to Grand Beach with his family and friends. Later he was thrilled to experience fond memories with his granddaughters when his son bought a cabin there.
He worked at the CPR Weston Shops as a machinist for ten years. Later he joined the St. James Fire Department and retired as a Captain with the City of Winnipeg after 33 years.
Jim's garage was a special place. He was known to everyone as Mr. Fix it. He also loved the 33 years that he spent sharpening skates, making many friends, and listening to Charlie Pride.
He always enjoyed travelling and especially the many trips to Hawaii that inspired his Hawaiian themed basement that hosted many celebrations.
Family meant the world to Jim, and he was extremely proud of his two sons and grandchildren for their accomplishments. Jim also treasured all the friendships that he made throughout his life.
Jim was fortunate to have met many thoughtful and caring staff while living at Sturgeon Creek 1.
The family would like to thank the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the Health Sciences Centre GB3 staff for their respectful care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Firefighters' Burn Fund. Either online at www.burnfundmb.ca or to PO Box 45001 RPO Kildonan Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 5C7, Winnipeg Fire Department Burn Fund or charity of your choice.
In respecting Jim's wishes there will be no formal service.
Publish Date: Aug 21, 2021
JAMES NORMAN PALMER
Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughter Lindsay; sons, Mitch (Heather) and Jay; grandchildren, Bryana, Brenley, Brody and Josh; and sister-in-law Lynda (Jim), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Edith Palmer; siblings, Dorothy, Ruby, Vera, Grace, Violet, Fredrick, and Reginald.
Jim was born at the original Grace Hospital in Winnipeg MB on June 12, 1932. He was a proud and active member of the St. James community for his entire life. Jim lived life to the fullest. As a young man he was involved in many sports including baseball, track and field and hockey. He also played lacrosse and in 1951 his Junior All Star Team captured the Western Canadian Championship. His team and Jim individually were honoured in the MB Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He was fondly remembered as the Break Away Kid. In addition, he played football for the Weston Wild Cats and then in 1954 he played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Jim also enjoyed curling and went to the Western Canadian Firefighters Championship and was awarded the all-star second. Later he went on to coach youth hockey, football and lacrosse.
In 1952 Jim met Marilyn and they were married three years later. The two had a great partnership as Jim always knew to follow Marilyn's lead. He was so excited to have recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
Jim cherished his times at Grand Beach, MB. Growing up Jim's parents took their whole family to Grand Beach on the train for two weeks each summer. Jim continued this tradition by building his own camping trailer and going to Grand Beach with his family and friends. Later he was thrilled to experience fond memories with his granddaughters when his son bought a cabin there.
Jim worked at the CPR Weston Shops as a machinist for 10 years. Later he joined the St. James Fire Department and retired as a Captain with the City of Winnipeg after 33 years.
Jim's garage was a special place. He was known to everyone as Mr. Fix it. He also loved the 33 years that he spent sharpening skates, making many friends, and listening to Charlie Pride.
Jim always enjoyed travelling and especially the many trips to Hawaii that inspired his Hawaiian themed basement that hosted many celebrations.
Family meant the world to Jim, and he was extremely proud of his two sons and grandchildren for their accomplishments. Jim also treasured all the friendships that he made throughout his life.
Jim was fortunate to have met many thoughtful and caring staff while living at Sturgeon Creek 1.
The family would like to thank the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the Health Science Centre GB3 staff for their respectful care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Firefighters' Burn Fund. Either online at www.burnfundmb.ca or to P.O. Box 45001, RPO Kildonan Place, Winnipeg, MB R2C 5C7, Winnipeg Fire Department Burn Fund or charity of your choice.
In respecting Jim's wishes, there will be no formal service.
Publish Date: Aug 14, 2021
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2021, Aug 21, 2021
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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My thoughts are with the Palmer family at this time. It has been a long time since I've been to Winnipeg but I remember very fondly the days that I spent at the rinks at Sturgeon Creek with Mr. Palmer as coach of my hockey team. I remember him as a great leader and an inspiration to the team and to me personally. I think about those times often and I know that dedication of men like him contributed very positively to my development and growth during those important years. Jim Palmer made an impact. - Posted by: Mark Zastre (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2021
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I first met Mr. Palmer when I was 5, in 1970 on a hockey rink. I last saw Mr. Palmer 49 years later in a fellow family friend's backyard. My respect and admiration never ever dimmed for this man. I was, and despite decades living abroad, still consider myself a friend of his sons Jay and Mitch, who take after their father with such traits as - generosity, compassion, fairness, helpfulness, competitiveness, all around decent people. You will be missed by many Mr. Palmer. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Gerry Letourneau (Friend) on: Sep 04, 2021
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Condolences to the Palmer family. Nothing but fond memories wth Jim. Many sing alongs with Jim playing the gut bucket till his fingers bled. RIP my friend. Jim Passey - Posted by: Jim passey (Fellow firefighter) on: Aug 21, 2021
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Jimmy was a good firefighter, a good officer and a good guy. He knew a lot and was happy to share. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Collegue) on: Aug 21, 2021
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Marilyn & family, please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of Jim. I have many fond memories of curling with Jim & working at #11 stn. together. - Posted by: Tim Picken (Friend,former co-worker) on: Aug 20, 2021
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The few years camping our families near to one another, Junior Hockey our sons playing each other, Jim and me yelling at one another, Pan Am Games Jim and me the shortest Firefighters in the world having pictures with a South American General. curling against one another for years. the Breakfasts, the kidding around because we were Giants although short. My sympathy to the family. Rest well dear friend, we did not stay young only at heart. Bill - Posted by: Bill Dubas (an old friend) on: Aug 19, 2021
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Mr Palmer was a lifelong friend and co worker of dad's. Dad would speak of Jim's athleticism and told the story of his trying out for the Bombers. They started the St James Fire Department on the same day-He was a friend to everyone in St James and especially if you were sports orientated. It wouldn't be uncommon to see him at the rink or sports field enjoying kids playing. He coached our sports teams and was a tremendous coach and mentor. RIP. - Posted by: Chris Payne (friend) on: Aug 18, 2021
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Condolences to the Palmer family and friends of Jim. - Posted by: GERRY DECORBY (Meet via Hockey.) on: Aug 18, 2021
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I just heard this sad news! Jimmy was the best. Amazing funny stories between him and my father Barrie Larkin go back through years of friendship - hockey fire department camping at Grand Beach and parties. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Marilyn Mitch and Jay for we have lost a great man. May family friends time and memories ease your sorrow 🥲🥲🙏 - Posted by: Debbie Larkin and family (Family friends) on: Aug 17, 2021
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Mr. Palmer will always be the best coach I ever had, Football and Hockey. While growing up the Palmer home was like a second home to me the entire family always treated me very well. You are all in my thoughts. Trent - Posted by: Trent Fryklund (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2021
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We offer our deepest condolences to the Palmer Family. Mr. Palmer will be dearly missed. We have fond memories of taking our children to get their skates sharpened and chatting about the hockey season. Mr. Palmer was a long time family friend to the Ross' and will be always fondly remembered and missed. - Posted by: Ian & Tracey Ross & Family (Family Friend) on: Aug 16, 2021
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Jean and I send our sincere condolences to Marilyn, Mitch and Jay on the passing of Jim, their beloved husband and father. Jim was very much part of our life when we lived in Winnipeg. A good friend, hockey buddy, the go to guy when you needed help. He was there for everybody. Simply put, the best neighbor and friend one could have. We often thought of the Palmer family, living away from Winnipeg for so many years. We now think deeply again about them and hope that time and good memories help heal the loss of Jim. A good man to the end May he rest in peace, goodbye good friend. Howard, Jean Davey & family - Posted by: Howard & Jean Davey (Good friends and Neighbour) on: Aug 15, 2021
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Mr. Palmer was a tremendous supporter of community; from volunteering at the club (Sturgeon Creek) to cheering for anything and everyone St. James. He seemed to know what everyone was doing, how they played and who won. His garage was his sanctuary where he always got the lowdown from those waiting to have their skates perfectly sharpened. Many hours were passed talking hockey, refereeing and who's doing what. Mr. Palmer personified commitment and devotion to doing what is right and to one's best ability. Thank you. You will be missed. - Posted by: Kevin Abrahams (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2021
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Marilyn and family Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. May the wonderful memories give you strength at this time. In our prayers Grace Taylor and family - Posted by: grace taylor (friend) on: Aug 14, 2021
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I remember the rivalries we had between Sturgeon Creek and Heritage-Victoria when Jay played against my son David (deceased) back in the70’s and the after game parties in Palmers Aloha rec-room. - Posted by: Bob Bull (Rival Amateur community club coach ) on: Aug 14, 2021
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So sorry to hear of Mr. Palmer’s passing. He was a tremendous person. My condolences to Mrs. Palmer , Mitch and Jay. Jay your Dad was a great guy so sorry for your loss. Trev - Posted by: Trevor Johnson (Friend of Jay) on: Aug 14, 2021
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