James George McGovern

James George McGovern, known by most as Jimmy or Jim, beloved husband of Cecelia (nee Geck), passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on September 11, 2022, after an extended illness. Jimmy was born on January 8, 1943, in Montreal, Quebec, the third of three sons to Beulah and Jim (James) McGovern. He often shared stories of his life and antics growing up with his brothers Mike and Frank in Montreal, some of which involved cherry bombs and motorcycles. Jimmy was known for his sometimes off-color and sardonic sense of humor and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. Recently someone affectionately described Jimmy as “quite the character” as he was definitely one of a kind! Jimmy’s animated stories made his grandkids laugh, shake their heads in disbelief and see their Papa as a person who lived a spirited and fun-loving life.

Jim was a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 130 and worked most of his career in Calgary, as well as in Toronto (Local 50) and Montreal (Local 89). He retired in 2003, and together with Cece spent several winters enjoying retirement in Arizona. Jimmy was a loyal friend who enjoyed chatting with his buddies, old and new, and often over a beer or two.

Jim loved sports, especially baseball and hockey. He was a diehard Yankees fan and more importantly a loyal Habs fan. Jim would share stories of the best plays by Rocket Richard, Gordie Howe, Jacques Plante, and Guy Lafleur. His wardrobe regularly consisted of a Yankees or Habs ball cap perched on his head.

Jimmy was also an avid reader and loved to read books about history, politics, and biographies. He always read the paper(s) daily and was informed about current events and world news.

It was his grandchildren who brought out Jimmy's soft side. Jimmy was a beloved Papa to Sheridan, Aston, Connor, and Laurel.

Jimmy will be remembered by his devoted wife Cecelia McGovern (nee Geck) formerly of Riverside, California, his brother Michael (Gwen) of Dollard-des Ormeaux, children Scott McGovern (Candace) of Calgary, Tara McGovern Medhurst (Peter) of Calgary, and Patrick McGovern (Michelle) of Montreal as well as several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Beulah and James, his brother Frank (Welland, Ontario), and his favorite aunt, Helen Boreski (Oceanside, California).

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life Gathering at South Calgary Funeral Center on Friday, September 23, from 1-4:00 pm at 12700 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation to the Alberta Kidney Foundation https://kidney.ca/ or the Alberta Lung Association. https://www.ablung.ca/who-we-are

A special thank you to the AHS Palliative Care & End of Life paramedic team for their kindness, compassion, commitment, support, and guidance in caring for Jimmy.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.