Obituary of James Orville Burkinshaw

July 24, 1946 – Hanna, Alberta

October 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

James (Jim) Orville Burkinshaw of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly at home on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the age of 78 years.

Jim was born in Hanna, AB, on July 24, 1946, and was the firstborn of nine children to Orville and Eileen Burkinshaw. Raised in Calgary, AB, he attended Henry Wise Wood High School in its inaugural year (1962) and won the Senior Football City Championship as a lineman. He went on to graduate in 1964. Known by many as a mathematical genius, Jim was accepted into the Engineering program at the University of Calgary, the first in his family to attend university. After only a few years the entrepreneurial spirit captured his attention, and Jim began his career in business. He would travel across North America simply for the joy of the next deal.

After his marriage to Margaret in 1976, Jim’s business deals became more local, especially while raising his three sons as a single dad starting in 1991. His sons, David, Steven, and Jonathan, fondly remember family vacations to Vancouver, but the trip that shocked everyone was when he travelled to Poland in 2018 to spend time with Elzbieta (Ela). Jim and Ela were married in 2021, giving Jim some of the happiest years of his life.

Jim was known for his tremendous memory, keen eye for detail, and entrepreneurial mindset. Gathering knowledge was great fun for him; no matter the topic he knew something about it. He was willing to share his wealth of knowledge with anyone and would apply it to long brainstorming sessions, always looking for the optimal idea to apply to the situation. He also enjoyed engaging in a lively debate. In his younger years, he had a strong focus on Bible doctrine, and while he was less inclined to press his opinions as he aged, he would still share the message of grace belonging to all who believe in Jesus of what God has done for us and not what we do for God.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Ela, his sons, David, Steven (Natasha), and Jonathan (Theresa); and his grandsons, Damien, Xander, and Logan; whose pictures proudly adorned his fridge. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert, Kathleen, Gail, Verleen, Cheryl, Donald, and Jerry, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his mother Eileen in 2013, his father Orville in 2006, his sister Darlene in 2004, and his nieces, Marlene in 2004 and Kathleen in 2022.

Memorial Services will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 40 St SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with James’ family here.

In living memory of James Burkinshaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.