James Gary McPherson

It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James Gary McPherson. Jimmy, Uncle Jim or just Jim to his siblings, long-time friends, nephews and nieces and step-children. Born in Deepdale, MB to Thorpe and Donalda McPherson, he grew up on the farm in Foxwarren, MB with his three older siblings. Early in life he showed what would become his life-long passion for the outdoors and the independence and solitude it gave him.

His early career had him stationed at Ile-a-la-Crosse, SK working for the Hudson Bay Company. He later joined the Tees and Persse Company in Winnipeg which later became Livingston Distribution, where he spent the rest of his working life.

It was at Ile-a-la-Crosse that he first met his lifetime and best friend and canoeing partner Maurice Tryhuk. Together they would take their canoes deep into the rivers and lakes of eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. These trips would take considerable planning and execution as they would last as long as a month. Later, Maurice would marry and Ruth would join in the adventures. Uncle Jim encouraged the next generation to join him for a number of trips back into Nopiming Provincial Park and the Bird River country. In later years he enjoyed the simplicity of a quiet walk in the woods at his cabin or anywhere there was bush, rocks, plants and animals.

Jim was a Renaissance Man in every sense of the word, whether he recognized that or not. He had a curious nature and was never afraid to fully explore new experiences. He was a rancher, an outdoorsman, an aerobatics pilot, skydiver, painter, woodcarver, builder of log cabins, reader of adventure stories and lover of an eclectic blend of music. He was even known to enjoy a “chick flick” from time-to-time. He was a kind and gentle man, with a sensitive heart, a willingness to help others, always having time to talk, tell stories and pull a prank to make you laugh.

Jim was predeceased by his long-time partner and love of his life, Rosie Fredette in 2019. He was also predeceased by his parents Thorpe and Donalda, infant sibling Donald, sister Shirley and brother Barrie. He is survived by his sister Sheila and a long list of cousins, nephews and nieces and Rosie’s children and his best friends Maurice and Ruth.

Thank you to all the staff at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home for your kind and gentle care this past year and particularly to Tony. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has occurred and there will be no service. We will find a time and place to fully celebrate his life.

Jim; we now see you sitting in your log cabin with a good roaring fire in the stove, a soon to be finished painting in the corner and a good adventure book in your hand. Or, perhaps, a lone figure on still waters, paddle in hand, silhouetted by the setting sun. Solitude again. May your spirit soar!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresfuneralhome.com for the McPherson family.