Jim was born on May 5th, 1933, at the family farm near Lougheed Alberta, the youngest of six children: Annie (17), Alice (15), Isabel (13), Thurston (11), and Ruth (5). His childhood was typical of a Canadian prairies depression-era farm family. While money was tight, there was no shortage of hard work. His Dad, Ralph, did some blacksmithing in addition to mixed farming; these were still horse and plow days. His Dad was from Lancashire, and his Mother, Jessie, was from Scotland. His sisters helped care for young Jimmy, and he shared a room with his older brother.
Thurston died in 1944 while serving in the RCAF, a tragic loss which profoundly affected all members of the family for the rest of their lives.
Jim left school at 16, making his way to Calgary where he landed a job with Electric-Crafts and began his apprenticeship. He got his Journeyman’s ticket in 1954. His life-long quest to learn motivated him to take many more night classes in the years following and, as a result, he earned the designations of Master Electrician in 1962, and Certified Engineering Technologist in 1974.
Jim met Doreen in 1954 at a dance with some friends at Penleys. 1955 was a big year for Jim: he & Doreen got engaged and married, his Mother passed away, and at the end of the year he became a father when they welcomed Darcy to their family. Leanne completed the Culshaw family in 1963.
As an electrician, Jim worked on a variety of projects including some noteworthy landmarks, such as the Jubilee Auditorium, and many industrial projects. As he progressed in his career, he was elevated to do more inspection and oversight work. Eventually, as an Electrical Consultant with the Reid Crowther engineering firm, he added specification-writing to his resume. He knew the Electrical Code backwards and forwards. He specialized in wastewater treatment facilities, particularly instrumentation and process controls. Jim worked on many of Reid Crowther’s international projects, travelling to several countries, including Cypress, Tanzania, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and Barbados. In 1990 he rounded out his career working for ten years on a large wastewater treatment plant for the Greater Vancouver Regional District, taking it all the way from design, through construction, and to completion. He said this was the largest project of his career. As a result of this project, Doreen & Jim lived in White Rock BC during the 1990’s and we have many fond memories of walks along the beach and visiting all the fun places around Vancouver.
Jim was a keen fan of the Calgary Stampeders and Flames. Along with a large group of life-long friends they cheered on the Stamps from their season’s tickets in Section P Row 39. Watching football and hockey remained one of his favourite activities right up to the end. He was so pleased when his grandson Ben started playing high school football this year. He dearly wished to be able to go watch one of his games.
Jim’s favourite places in the world were Waterton, Kihei on Maui, Kona & the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Barbados. Jim was always fascinated with the geological features and cultural history of all the places he traveled, whether for work or vacation.
Family was always important to Jim. His sisters and all his in-laws were favourite life-long friends. He knew that family connections do not happen by accident – we need to gather with intention. Family picnics, holiday meals and birthday celebrations were always a priority. Jim was glad for the opportunity to spend time with his Auntie Bee, his sisters, and his in-laws during their later years. There were meet-ups in Red Deer, Edmonton, Hanna, and Medicine Hat to visit with his extended family and share the old stories over and over again.
He was a good father. He loved us, and we knew it. He taught us life skills, from catching a ball to home maintenance. He supported our interests, and often shared words of encouragement and wisdom. He cared about our character. He always set a great example and his love was unwavering.
He loved being a Granddad and he adored his four grandchildren. He engaged with them as tiny babies, chattering while pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon. There were shoulder-back rides where they’d rest their pointy chins right on the top of his head. He paid close attention to them, noticing details of their development and interests. He relished every opportunity to spend time with them, and spoil them a little. As they got older, he worried about their struggles and burst with pride at their accomplishments.
As husband to Doreen his love was deep, constant, and enduring. When anyone asked him for his secret to their long, successful marriage he offered this wisdom: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s almost all small stuff.” What a wonderful example for us all.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Doreen; his children, Darcy & Angela Culshaw, Leanne Culshaw-Ewert & Henry Ewert; his grandchildren, Katherine & Jeff Buhler, Nicole “Lizzie” & Blake Mealey, Benjamin Culshaw, and Jackson Culshaw. Jim is also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Ralph & Jessie Culshaw, his brother Thurston Culshaw in World War II, his four sisters and their husbands: Annie & Morris Pringle, Alice & Bob Aitken, Isabel & Gordon Wright, and Ruth & Jerry Grande.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 25th at 2:00 pm at SKYVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE (9685 Harvest Hills Blvd NW, Calgary, AB) (A livestream will be available at Skyview’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7oB2tQKisRSBQaMHohm0gA/live )
Tributes in memory of Jim may be sent to a charity of your choice. Please give your loved ones a hug
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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