Obituary of James Edward Milburn

June 9, 1957 - Montreal, Quebec

October 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

With sadness and love, we announce the passing of our beloved Jim on October 23, 2023, at the age of 66 years.

Jim loved family, friends, work, and dogs, not necessarily always in that order. He really enjoyed his 30-year career in the grocery industry, managing people and products in Ontario and Alberta. He moved his family to Calgary in 1998 and worked for both Sobeys and Canada Post for several years, providing for his family. He eventually became a Supervisor and Route Measurement Officer for Canada Post for 20 years.  People who worked for him often felt he was fair. Jim and Sue met and started dating when he was her manager. Sue liked him so much she found another job so he wouldn’t get in trouble. Married for 40 years as of October 1^st, 2023, Sue and Jim lived in Burlington, Ajax, Barrie, and settled in Calgary near Fish Creek as their forever home.

Jim was adored by his parents, and it was mutual.  Jim often shared memories of his childhood in Montreal and Pickering, Ontario, summers in Gaspe, camping in Algonquin and Sandbanks, and travelling west to Vancouver Island. His love of road trips and driving sprang from his childhood.  He drove Sue to the west coast, east coast, north to Whitehorse, and south to several states over the years. He drove Sue crazy sometimes too, but always took care of her. He was the shopper, the guy who watched the gas gauge and filled it up, moved the furniture, changed the gardens, built the shelves, and took them down when Sue changed her mind. He was a very supportive sounding board for Sue when working from home too.

Jim always had his pockets full of treats for his dogs, his friend’s dogs, and for all dogs.  He loved walking his dogs, exploring many areas of Fish Creek Park with them, coming home with stories of wild animal encounters, and boasting about the bravery or teamwork of his dogs. His smile around pups was just brilliant and his joy and happiness, contagious.

Jim was the dad on the floor with his young sons and more recently his grandson, Wesley. He was always ready to build something fascinating, skate, play hockey, swim, toss them in the air and have shrilling loud fun. Jim was the proud hockey dad who rarely missed a game or practise (even while working two jobs). He always sat with the group and bragged about his son’s skills as they played any of their sports. He was always there for his team, his boys.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Sue (nee Loftus), sons, Chris (Ashley), Ryan (Kristy), and Dan; grandson Wesley, his cherished parents, George and Madeleine Milburn of Cochrane, AB; sisters, Louise, and Liane (Doug); mother-in-law Mary Loftus of Oakville, ON, Sue’s siblings, and all his nieces and nephews. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Milburn's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jim’s family here. If friends so desire, please donate to your favourite charity and help animals or humans in your community.

In living memory of Jim Milburn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575. 

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