JAMES (JIM) GEORGE SHANKS

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JAMES (JIM) GEORGE SHANKS James (Jim) George of Brandon, MB, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, passed away with his family at his side on December 31, 2002 at the Assiniboine Centre. Jim was born December 25, 1936 in the Dufferin Municipality near Carman, MB. Jim left the family farm at an early age and ended up in Brandon, where he worked in his early years with the railway. After a time with the Experimental Farm, Jim began what would be his lifes calling, becoming a mechanic with Western Motors. It was during his years at Western Motors that he met his future wife, Gladys Mary Airey, whom he married in the summer of 1958. With expertise in carburetor and auto electric repairs, Jim started his own business, Shanks Auto Electric in 1970. He remained in business at 10th and College until 1998, when his failing health forced him to sell his business and retire. In his spare time, Jim loved to hunt, fish and golf. He was also a member of the old Brandon Stock Car Club and loved to race Car 33 at the Chater track. He loved his Brandon Wheat Kings and was a season ticket holder back to the old Wheat City Arena days. In recent years, he loved to spend time at the family trailer at Pyotts West campground located at Lake of the Prairies. His first love though, was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Gladys; and his two sons, Craig and wife Nancy, and Mark and wife Coralea, both of Brandon. Also left to mourn are his adopted grand-children, Tim Braun and wife Maria of Winnipeg, Candice Braun of Vancouver and John Braun of Brandon. He was particularly fond of his great-granddaughter Bianca Braun, daughter of Tim and Maria. Jim is survived by his sisters, Marion Normand of Winnipeg, Agnes Klassen and friend George Loeppky of Stephenfield, Kim and Larry Wood of Libau; and brother, Bob and wife Linda of Winnipeg. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William Halliday and Lydia Mary Shanks. A service to celebrate Jims life will be held at Trinity United Church, Brandon on Monday, January 6, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. John Nesbitt officiating. All in attendance will be considered honorary pallbearers. A private family interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Palliative Care" 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2003