Murdoch Robert James
November 23, 1934-July 27, 2020
As published in the August 31, 2020 World-Spectator
Murdoch Robert James a quiet gentle person, was born in Moose Jaw, SK on November 23, 1934 to Marion Pearl James nee Bilkey. He was adopted by Pearl’s brother Robert William (Ted) James and wife Lorna Ward nee James. He is predeceased by both parents and his birth mother. He died peacefully on July 27, 2020 in Moosomin Hospital and will be laid to rest in Welwyn Cemetery.
Survived by two sisters Phyllis Bilkey-Behrns (Ray) of Rocanville and Doreen Hamilton (Grant) of White City and four nephews and one niece and families. Also survived by the very close cousins Marney Bangsund (Archie) of Regina, Marilyn James (Marvin) of Winfield AB, Bill James of Welwyn, Joan Schuster (Murray) of Melville, Pat and Joe Santer of Welwyn, Myrna and Gordon Orr of Elkhorn, MB, Larry and Ada Ward of Estevan, and families as well as many other close relatives and cousins.
He grew up in the Old Welwyn district on the Ted James farm and attended Old Welwyn and Welwyn schools graduating from grade 12. He later took over the farm from his dad. He worked closely with his Uncle Fred James and cousin Bill James who farmed across the road. The family was very close with neighbors and relatives and their farm house was often packed with large Christmas and family gatherings.
Murdoch never married. He and his mother Lorna moved to Welwyn in 1975 after the death of Ted James, and he retired from farming in 1999. Due to deteriorating health he moved into Centennial Manor in Moosomin in November of 2019.
During his life, he was an active member and leader in 4-H, a member of C.R.O.W (Community Recreation Organization of Welwyn) and was a director and president on the Welwyn Co-op board for 22 years. He travelled extensively first by camper trailer from coast to coast in Canada and to Florida, then bus tours, and graduated to cruise ships. Australia, Hawaii, Spain, Greek islands, Caribbean and China were only a few of his trips. He loved to take pictures and show off his great adventures. Keeping an extensive library of the pictures and trips was an enjoyable pastime for him. He collected spoons and pins from all over the world. He enjoyed playing cards, going to casinos, golfing, old time dancing and loved his garden and flower beds. He loved watching baseball, especially his favorite team, the Toronto Blue Jays and was fortunate to be able to attend some games in Toronto. He enjoyed curling in his younger life and watching it in later life. He made trips to the Canadian Brier, Olympic Trials, and World Curling events and loved to go to Las Vegas to attend the “Continental Cup,” a curling event which pitted North American teams against all other world teams. Travel was a huge part of his retirement life.
Murdoch’s gentle caring nature will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. May he rest in peace.
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