JAMES ROY "JIM" BALLINGALL,

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JAMES ROY "JIM" BALLINGALL, Sr. C.D. September 19, 1924- August 19, 2003 Jimmy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2003, surrounded by his loving family at Richmond General Hospital. Jim met the only girl for him, Frances MacIver, at her familys cottage while he was on home leave in 1943. Frances and Jim were married in 1946 and shared 57 loving years. "JR" was the proud father of six sons, Brian, Bruce, Brent, Jimmy, Tommy and Michael, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He loved his daughters-in-law who helped bring some order to his boys. Predeceased by sister Jean Nelson; older brothers, Bobby and Arthur; daughter-in-law Diane and granddaughter Jane. Jim graduated from Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg and always wanted to be a journalist. He had a wonderful writing style, penning many letters from the war zone to young lady friends of his soldier buddies. Jim had recently completed a chronicle of his life and experience as a paratrooper during the Second World War. Jim was a proud member of First Canadian Parachute Battalion, Third Para Brigade, Sixth British Airborne Division until it was disbanded at the end of the Second World War. He also served in the Winnipeg Light Infantry and Royal Winnipeg Rifles being decommissioned in 1953. Jim remained active in the reserve forces in Winnipeg and Fort Frances, ON. A respected businessman, Jimmy started his civilian career selling motorcars in Winnipeg. He decided that this career was not for him when he sold his first Rolls Royce and earned a commission of only $25. Jim thought that Canadians would always need to eat and decided to join a food company. He enjoyed a 38-year career with Robin Hood Multi Foods in Western Canada, serving as a role model and mentor to a host of winning individuals. Jim was proud of his 50-year continuous membership with the North-West Commercial Travellers Association. Jim was the popular MC for Winnipegs Golden Agers Variety Show for many years sharing this opportunity to give back to the community with his sister Jean. Jim loved sports and was an active hockey and baseball player in his early fatherhood years. His golf game was always better in his mind than on the course. The family wishes to extend their thanks to medical staff at Delta Memorial Hospital and Richmond General Hospital for their compassionate care. A celebration of Jims life will take place this Friday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 1480 George St., White Rock, BC. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully asks that you direct your donations to Jims granddaughters charitable fund that assists on-going education for Inner-city kids. "Janes Fund" c/o 4906 7A Ave., Tswassen, BC V4M 1R2. A MANS REACH MUST EXCEED HIS GRASP OR WHATS A HEAVEN FOR!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2003