James “Jim” Rockwell
August 30, 1941 – February 3, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Jim is survived by his wife Linda of
52 years, son Ryan (Candice) and children Seville, Smith, and Emrys; Son Kirk (Charmin) and daughters Reese and Sage; His sister Alberta (Earl) Mattice, Marjorie (Royce) Mattice; Brother-in-law Wayne Yuzyk, Sister-in-law Tracy (Derrill) Ayotte, Sister-in-law Sue (Phil) Mah; and his nieces, nephews, cousins and many other friends and relatives.
He is predeceased by his parents Bud and Nelly.
Jim was born in Elk Point, Alberta. He and his family moved to Jarvie, AB in 1947 on the advice of friends to start farming. He worked hard with them eventually buying and clearing his own land to farm west of Jarvie. In 1968 he married a city girl, the love of his life, Linda. They farmed together near Jarvie and in 1973 first son Ryan arrived followed in 1975 by second son Kirk. Jim and Linda then bought land in the Fawcett area and farmed there until 1976. Jim and Linda sold the farm there and retired from farming, however it remained his first love for the rest of his life.
Jim started his own business in 1977. He had trucks servicing the oilfield industry, known far and wide as Rocky’s Steam Cleaning. He spent many a cold winter day or night ensuring the rigs could continue to function through the coldest of Alberta winters… Often being the first one on site and the last one to leave in the dark. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow workers and swapping stories. He employed many local area young people, and some older ones too, through the years. Jim and Linda owned school buses for some 37 years and many of his students commented seeing his smiling face made Monday mornings a lot easier.
Jim enjoyed travelling and visited many far-off places such as Europe, Australia, South America and many sunny destinations. He will be missed for his story telling, contagious laughter, fairness and love of his family and fellow man.
Our family wishes to extend our most sincere gratitude to the staff of the Youville Home long-term care centre in St. Albert and Dr. Peter Newnham for all the incredible and compassionate care provided to our beloved Jim over the last year.
Because of current restrictions in place preventing gathering, no formal in-person service will be held at this time. However, an on-line tribute will take place and later in the year when we can get together again, a memorial event will be planned.
Rest in peace Jim. You will be missed by many.
