Russell James (Jim) White
Russell James (Jim) White passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at age 61 in Edson, Alberta. He was pre-deceased by his parents John (Jack) Robertson White, Margaret Jean White and his brother Gordon Cameron White. The surviving family members - Hugh Wilson White, wife Kate, niece Meghan and nephew Cameron of Seattle; sister in law Gladys White (wife of Gord), niece Laura and nephew Christopher of Vancouver; and Bill White, wife Maureen, niece Danielle and nephew Matthew of Toronto - fondly remember and cherish Jim’s gentle and caring nature and wish him peace.
While both parents were born in Saskatchewan, all the White brothers were born in Montreal. With the early passing of their dad and Jim only three years old, Jean packed up the kids and hopped the train to Saskatoon to begin the challenge of raising four young boys as a single parent.
Jim loved cross country running and track and field while attending Aden Bowman Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. He successfully graduated with two degrees (Bachelor of Science in Biology and Civic Planning). Between degrees Jim became a surveyor working in Edmonton and after he was the City Planner in Cambridge, Nunavut before his final position with the Ministry of Transport of Alberta in Edson.
Jim was a hard working dedicated employee and the unifying force of his family. With brothers spread over the continent, Jim was the one who was always home with his mother on holidays, birthdays and special occasions. Jim was so proud of family, especially his nieces and nephews who he loved as if they were his own. With twice yearly trips to the west coast, conversations with Jim always began with an update on their latest successes or challenges. All of his nieces and nephews brought joy and pride to Jim. Jim treated his cousin Alan Groat and family of wife Heather, Rachael, Sarah and Nathan in the same way. Jim extended this love into doing detailed research of the family history. He was happy to tell us about his latest discoveries and their story.
After breaking his back, Jim showed great resilience in attaining a Black Belt in Wado Kai Karate and enjoying hiking and mountain climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Jim had a “quirky” personality and anyone who knew him quickly appreciated a hard working, family loving man who did not possess a bad bone in his body. Jim was a loving brother, uncle and son. We all thank him for his years of kindness and wish him peace.
A memorial to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the Foothills Memorial Chapel of the Edson Funeral Home 5040 6th Ave Edson, Alberta on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 1:00 pm. If you wish, please share a story or anecdote at the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrance can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Foothills Memorial Chapel, Edson Funeral Home have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 780.723-3575. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com