We Remember
SISLER, James Martin (Jim)
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The family of James Martin (Jim) Sisler are sad to announce his passing on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. He leaves in mourning his wife of 57 years, Alice, and his two sons, Murray (Vivian) of Richmond BC and Jeff (Cathy) and their children, Rebecca, Danny and Julia of Winnipeg. He leaves his three siblings, Barbara Smith (Maurice), Roddy Sisler (Marianne) and Sandra Schjerning (Nick), and sisters-in-law Betty and Berenice Sisler, Luella Rutledge, and their families. Dad was predeceased by his brothers Bill and George and his brother-in-law Bill Rutledge.
Jim was born in 1927 in Winnipeg and attended Glenwood, Lord Selkirk, and St. John’s Tech High Schools. He graduated from the U of Manitoba with a BSc in Agriculture in 1950 and from the U of Michigan with a MPH degree in 1953.
Jim met Alice in 1955 when she caught his eye, of course, playing the piano. They married in 1957 and raised their two sons in a very close neighbourhood in Winnipeg and at their cottage at Tannis Lake, Ontario, where Dad built their family cottage in 1969. Jim worked as a Public Health Inspector, and was passionate about improving food safety standards. He retired in 1990, and he and Alice moved to Kelowna, where they formed lasting friendships in the Newcomers Club, Parkinson Rec Centre, St Paul’s United Church and the B.C. Old Time Fiddlers. The love of music marked every aspect of his life. Dad sang and played the banjo ukulele, and with Mom on the piano, they performed at parties, family gatherings, and with “the Fiddlers”. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Dad and Mom recorded a CD of their music which is treasured.
Dad was grateful for his many caregivers, especially his family doctor, Dr. W. Mackle and his office staff Kathy and Julie; Interior Health Home Care (Devon and Georgia); and Dr. Josh Wiesenthal. He spent his final days in the warmth of Hospice House. Special thanks to Margaret and Darrell Porubanec for their help and devotion through Dad’s illness.
A memorial service will he held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, led by Rev. Wayne Laurie. Interment will occur later in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
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Service Details
The service for SISLER, James Martin (Jim) is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
i wanted to share this beautiful picture of me and my Dad.
So sorry to hear of this loss, my deepest condolences to all the family. Mr. Sisler was the original “hail, fellow well met” and I remember many early mornings when he would drive Murray, Greg, Bill and myself to the Schoolboys Bonspiel. I had to laugh at the picture with the banjo ukelele, as one of my favourite summer memories is at the cottage, with Mr. Sisler hamming it up playing “Chatanooga Choo Choo” to Murray’s utter mortification. Thanks to both Jim and Alice for their generosity and hospitality during those years.
Dear Alice and family;
It was with sadness that I heard of Jim’s death. He brought joy and music into the world and into so many people’s lives, along with you.It was a joy to see you both and your love of music.
God be with you as you celebrate and give thanks for his life.
Love from St. Paul’s United Church and from myself. Beryl Baldeo
Auntie Babe, Jeff, Murray & family
Words can’t describe the loss our family feels but we are very honoured to be part of the extended family. I have so many memories from childhood until now but can best sum it up with–” by the light of the silvery moon, we will pack up all our cares & woes, looking up at the yellow bird sitting high in the banana tree while singing happy trails”. Sending hugs & warm wishes to all the Sislers—from the Porubanec family
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. It was a joy to spend time with Jim during my home care visits and to see the strong and loving bond between the two of you. Thank you for sharing a little part of your lives with me. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Georgia