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JAMES PAUL AUGUST (JIM) Obituary pic

JAMES PAUL AUGUST (JIM)

Born: Sep 12, 1946

Date of Passing: Nov 09, 2021

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JAMES PAUL AUGUST
September 12, 1946 - November 9, 2021

Jim passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the age of 75 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years Sharon (Sigurdson), son Jesse (Lia) of Vancouver, daughter Alison (Jason), grandchildren Juliette and Miles, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Janis Beattie and parents, Howard and Elizabeth (Baillie).
Jim was born in Brandon and grew up on Tinniswood Avenue in Winnipeg's North End where he formed many lifelong friendships. Just as his father and grandfather were, Jim was actively involved at the YMCA. It was those formative years spent at the North End Y and in its leadership program that had a profound impact on the trajectory of his life. He loved to regale family and friends with stories of the well-attended Y dances that he was integral in planning.
In 1969, Jim and Sharon married and began their lifelong partnership. They spent a few years living in Vancouver with their firstborn Jesse before coming back to Winnipeg in the late 70s to lay down roots and welcome daughter Alison.
The family home on Canora Street in Wolseley became the venue for annual Christmas parties during Jim's time as General Manager of the Core Area Initiative, proving once again Jim loved throwing a good party.
After the Core Area Initiative wrapped, he went on to work as a private consultant for several years before becoming CEO of The Forks North Portage in 2000 until his retirement in 2014.
Much has been said of Jim's career and his many contributions to Winnipeg. His impact on our city is lasting and profound. Jim believed in building communities and improving quality of life for people living and working in the downtown and core area.
Jim had an appreciation for art, music and travel. His collection of art in the August home is proof of his impeccable eye and discerning taste. His collection of suits wasn't too shabby either. Jim had great style and a love of good tailoring, inherited by both he and sister Janis from their mother.
In 1986, Jim bought a lot at Victoria Beach to build the family cottage. He was attracted to the community's active lifestyle and access to tennis courts, bike riding and golf, which he took up in his 40s. Although never totally satisfied with his swing, he kept at it as long as he was able. A true sign of his perseverance. The cottage is his legacy to the family and where his grandchildren now enjoy summers swimming at Clubhouse Beach and pier jumping with their pals.
Jim was an athlete and enjoyed playing tennis and squash. It was between playing court sports, his time spent at the Y, summers at Victoria Beach, and his lasting career that he made many close friends who became like family and were companions of Jim's right up until the end.
Jim listened to people and was curious. He contributed and appreciated the contributions of those around him. He offered and sought advice. He worked hard and played hard. He had a sense of humour and a ready smile. He was loved and loving. We will miss him dearly.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson Funeral Home. Those who wish, may join the livestreamed service by following this link: https://youtu.be/HYPMZNRnfAY.
Government-issued "Vaccine Proof" and valid government-issued photo identification for all attendees at the service and reception is required, by order of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. Masks are mandatory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Way Winnipeg or a charity of your choice.

THOMSON FUNERAL HOME
204-783-7211
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2021

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

  • My sincere condolences to Sharon and family on the passing of Jim ... husband, father, grandfather and friend. I met Jim years ago when he lived on Tinniswood and I lived on Penninghame Street, in Winnipeg's North End. We both attended Sisler High School. If memory serves me correctly, Jim had a crush on my younger sister Maureen. Years later, I became reacquainted with the family through the Finnigan Family, (my daughter's in-laws) and Sharon, who was my Yoga teacher at the Wellness Centre. It certainly is my pleasure and privilege to be a friend of Jim, a respected and contributing citizen of Winnipeg. Virtual hugs and many blessings to the family ... Carole (Penney) Kuryk, ... friend - Posted by: Carole (Penney) Kuryk (Friend of Jim and Sharon) on: Jan 02, 2022

  • Having moved away, I hadn't seen Jim for at least 20 years, and so was totally shocked by his passing. Many others have rightly commented on his tremendous contributions to Winnipeg, and those tributes are richly deserved. I had the privilege of working with Jim for 5 years at the Core Area Initiative in the early 1980's, where I saw his many talents first hand. He was an exceptional person and good friend to me and was universally well-liked. He also taught me a lot by example, although I'm pretty sure he was unaware of that. We should all leave such a legacy of accomplishment, friendships, and good memories. My deepest condolences to Sharon, and to Alison, and Jessie and their families. Matthew Kiernan - Posted by: Matthew Kiernan (Work colleagues and friends) on: Nov 27, 2021

  • I met Jim many years ago when he led a Budget Consultation for Mayor Glen Murray. I then enjoyed working with Jim when we did events for The Forks. Every single time we crossed paths Jim and I had the most spirited discussions about politics. I will miss Jim and hope he rests well. To the family I offer my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Rose (Colleague) on: Nov 26, 2021

  • New to Winnipeg in 1977 from Cape Town, South Africa, Jim August's name kept popping up about good deeds for this city & communities. On the way back on the hourly bus from a Winnipeg Folk Festival, I met Jim, as plain & friendly as any folky. He chatted with me like he was a normal guy, not a chief executive or mover of many big achievements here. Got off somewhere & he walked home. We are so lucky to have Jim's influential services for so long, we would have thrived on more years. Condolences to Jim's families & friends & envy for your memories. - Posted by: Denzil FEINBERG R.F.P. (Appreciator) on: Nov 21, 2021

  • So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing, one of Winnipeg's finest citizens. Perhaps I knew Sharon a little better, especially after winning, or did we come third, in a track corporate relay event through our employment at GWL. She too showed the same dedication and team-building character as Jim. - Posted by: Paul Sweatman (Freind) on: Nov 21, 2021

  • Sincerest condolences to Sharon and family in the passing of Jim. I will always remember his big smile and chuckle whenever we met and reminisced about our youthful years. He was such a kind, thoughtful person with such a gregarious outgoing personality and was held in high regard by all of those who knew him. The last time I saw him he was purchasing that “special” golf club to enhance his next game and surprise his golf buddies, all the while chuckling. I am sure he’s up there organizing a game right now. Rest In Peace Augie. - Posted by: Jim Ross (Friend) on: Nov 20, 2021

  • Sending my deepest condolences to Sharon, family and friends. Jim brought a lot of life and fun into the world and will be deeply missed for his many contributions. - Posted by: Charlyn Black (Friend from long ago) on: Nov 19, 2021

  • My condolences to the family. Jim and us (North End rats) go way back to North Y in the late 60's. Jim influenced all of us (John, Terry, Rich and Greg, Doug, Brian and Linda ("Tuck") with Jim's positive attitude. We learned a lot from Jim (Youth Program) those summers and had the best fun doing it. The best "Leader" we ever had, and Jim is the reason for our strong respectful start to our lives. Will miss you. Clarence & friends - Posted by: Clarence Drebit (North Y friend) on: Nov 19, 2021

  • Thinking of everyone at the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a special cousin. Cherish all the wonderful memories of Jim. - Posted by: Judith Hughes (cousin) on: Nov 17, 2021

  • My heartfelt condolences to you dear Sharon and to your family. I am realizing that I have known Jim since the mid-1970's when we both worked for the same Federal Government department. We then both found ourselves in the now Exchange District when he ran the Core Area Initiative program and I was opening the gallery with Brian Smith. And then when he ran the Forks North Portage Partnership our paths crossed again. Through it all, he was always good to be with, be it doing business or just being irreverent, which he was good at. I am sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Roderick Sasaki (Friend) on: Nov 16, 2021

  • I didn’t know Jim well but always admired his dedication, sincerity and congenial spirit. A real classy fellow to whom we owe a great deal of thanks. Dan Donahue Winnipeg - Posted by: Dan Donahue (Friend) on: Nov 16, 2021

  • While Jim and my paths crossed as part of our professional careers, he with the Forks and me in the Premier's office, my fondest and most valued memories of Jim go back to the corner of College and McGregor and our time together at the North Y. In the 1970s, I was a leader in training in the leadership program run by Jim. We can all point to people from our youth that had a major impact on our lives and the person we would strive to become. Jim was one of those people in my life. He led and taught by example. He demonstrated commitment, decency and a wonderful sense of humor. Whether in a pick up game of basketball, on the badminton court, a drop kick fight on the trampoline or just hanging out in his office he was a leader a mentor and a friend. Rest in peace Augie, and thanks for all you gave me and the rest of the North Y gang. Michael Balagus - Posted by: Michael Balagus (North End YMCA) on: Nov 15, 2021

  • My most sincere condolences to Sharon, Blair and all family and friends. What an incredible man with an incredible impact on the City of Winnipeg in so many different ways. Rest in Peace Jim; you deserve it. - Posted by: Debbie Schmidt (Friend to Sharon and Blair) on: Nov 15, 2021

  • John and I are saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sharon and family during these difficult times. Jim will be sadly missed. - Posted by: John & Susan Boychuk (Friends) on: Nov 14, 2021

  • Jim and I were longtime friends having gone to school together growing up in the north end. Although our live paths moved in different directions we occasionally ran into each other in the downtown area or at the Squash Club. I moved from Winnipeg in 2004 but visit there often, Two years ago Jim, George Walker and myself, met for a beer a chance to get caught up. I never thought for a moment that would be the last time I saw him....I still see his smiling face. Rest in peace my friend you were well loved and will be greatly missed. To the family... my heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Gary Florentine (Friend) on: Nov 13, 2021

  • Condolences to the August family and friends. - Posted by: Roy Kunicky (Old Y guy acquaintance ) on: Nov 13, 2021

  • A wonderful friend of Winnipeg. I met him while working for Sheila Copps heritage minister Govt of Canada, 24 years ago. He was charming, intelligent and eager to help with Sheilas arrangements when she came to Winnipeg. He was always available to talk about the city and it’s future. He will be sadly missed, definitely one of the finer people I came across. May he Rest In Peace. Ruthcarol Feldman - Posted by: Ruth Carol Feldman (Business acquaintance ) on: Nov 13, 2021

  • I knew Jim through work. He was always a true professional. I think anyone who knew him would have fond memories of a kind gentleman who knew his business. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Godspeed Jim. - Posted by: Jocelyn Greenwood (Colleague) on: Nov 13, 2021

  • Our sincere condolences to Sharon, family and friends. Pat & Tim - Posted by: Pat Hardy (Former colleague of Sharon) on: Nov 13, 2021

Thomson Funeral Home

Thomson Funeral Home

669 Broadway Ave. (Map)
Ph: 2047837211 | Visit Website

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