James Thomson Harrison
As published in the April 6, 2015 World-Spectator
James Thomson Harrison was born September 1, 1928 to Agnes and John Harrison in Whitewood. To everyone’s surprise, twin sister Alice Irene arrived minutes later. Brother John Frederick and sister Margaret Lovella completed the family. "Jimmy" spent his early years on the family farm near Burrows, where his lifelong passion for the farm life was nurtured.
In 1937, the family moved into Whitewood following the death of John, his father and hero. Agnes provided a loving home and raised the children on her own. At a very young age, Jim began a lifetime of working at many different jobs, including farmer, lumberjack, truck driver, pipeline and highway construction worker, even water diviner. This life took him to many parts of Canada and the U.S., but he always returned to his prairie home in Saskatchewan. It was here where he eventually fulfilled his dream of owning a farm.
Jim met Marian Sandbeck of Mossbank in 1951. One year later they married and began their life together, a union that lasted over 62 years. They welcomed with love six daughters: Susan, twins Gwen and Gaye, Mary Lou, Deborah Ann, who died in infancy, and Jacqueline. Sons-in-law Jim Davis, Pat Kleisinger and Brian Mills joined the family. Jim was thrilled to be granddad to Jordan, Robin, Alison, James and Sean.
He was delighted to become a great-granddad to eight beautiful children: Samuel, Claire, Jonathan, Khloe, Kate, Fara, Shea and Henry.
Jim continued to farm into his 80s, a labor of love that was hard to give up. He loved his family, he loved his cattle and horses, he loved his many friends and he loved dancing with Marian, his "sweetheart." He passed peacefully with family by his side. His last words were "I love you."
Jim was predeceased by his parents Agnes and John Harrison, his twin sister Alice Irene and his infant daughter Deborah Ann.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Marian and their family, brother John Frederick, sister Lovella (Babe), sister-in-law Liz Sandbeck, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, their families and many friends.
A graveside service was held Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the Whitewood Cemetery with the Ven. Wilma Woods and the Rev. Brian Woods officiating. The eulogy was given by James Kleisinger and Alison Whitehead, and James and Sean Kleisinger read scripture. Honorary bearers were Jordan Davis, Robin Davis, Alison Whitehead, James Kleisinger, Sean Kleisinger, Mark Whitehead, Hugh Towill and Wayne Beutler. Jim Davis was the urn bearer. A reception followed at St. Mary’s Anglican Parish Hall.
Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Lung Association of Sask., 200-1801 MacKay Street, Regina, Sask., S4N 6E7 or Valleyview Centre, Box 1300, Moose Jaw, Sask., S6H 4R2.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood.
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