JAMES VINCENT REIMER

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JAMES VINCENT REIMER

June 20, 1957 - September 24, 2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James Vincent Reimer (also known as Tyler James Durden). He is survived by his wife Linda; sons, Joel and Mike (Erin); sisters, Terry (Mark) and Diane; and niece Rihana. Predeceased by his parents, Robert James and Julianne Reimer.

He was born June 20, 1957 and spent his early years in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg, graduating from St. James Collegiate. He later moved to the St. Vital area where he gained a strong network of friends. He married Linda in 1984 and soon there was a baby on the way. To support his young family, he went back to school and completed courses at Winnipeg Technical College that enabled him to work his way through small companies breaking into MTS.

Aunt Kathleen gave James a Jimi Hendrix album as a gift when he was 16 and a long love of music began. He learned to play guitar and played progressive rock with any willing friends. He loved all kinds of music from Hendrix, to Rush, to Mozart. There was only one criteria, the tunes had to be played loudly.

He believed in the power of music so strongly his sons were exposed to music while in the womb. He played guitar for Joel and Mike had to do with recordings of Mozart. It was ironic later that Mike was the one who also took up the guitar and also learned to play it loud. He shared his love of computers and technology with Joel. He also loved to read, everything from Don Quixote to books about math and physics. He also read his Bible daily, appreciate the wisdom that it contained.

James enjoyed nature, always taking long solitary walks where ever it took him. And we can't forget his love of cats, a passion he shared with his mother.

He always considered the years he spent helping Linda take care of her elderly mother were the most honourable years of his life. These circumstances took James out of his comfort zone but he rose to the occasion. He took her to Christian meetings, shopping, and a few trips out to Bird's Hill to watch the horses graze in the grass.

It is very difficult to articulate to watch this smart, funny, talented man fall into the grips of mental illness.

Thanks to the many community supports that offered help, including the workers at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, AA, the nurses, doctors and social workers from Misericordia, St. Boniface, Victoria and HSC hospitals. Many thanks for to the first responders including the Winnipeg police department. And to those who are suffering from mental illness and addiction, please take the hand that is offered to you.

A private burial has already been held.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2026