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James Richard Hardy Wharton was born on November 3, 1925 to William & Etta Wharton of Vanguard, SK, the second of five brothers. Jim served overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II until he was injured in a blackout in Leeds, England. After returning home, he bought land in the Vanguard area and began farming and later took over the family farm. Over the course of several winters, he went to work in Ontario where he met Marjorie Packham who became his sweetheart. They were married on April 14, 1951 in Abington Church and they honeymooned near Marj’s home at Niagara Falls. Afterwards they spent summers on the farm and some winters in Ontario until the first of their eight children were school aged. They attended Millar College of the Bible together in the winter of 1952-1953. In addition to many happy years spent working on the farm, Jim also enjoyed working as a maintenance man at the Vanguard Hospital. Jim and Marj loved to travel and enjoyed trips to the Bahamas, Florida, Hawaii, USA and all over Canada. Throughout his life Jim was a very active Legion member and he served with several volunteer organizations including Mental Health Association, Vanguard Co-op board, RM Councilor, Christian Counseling Centre and various camp boards. Church was always a very important part of Jim’s life and he loved to attend any service or social activity he could. He loved spending time with any one of his fifteen grandchildren and he always had a treat ready for them. Jim and Marj moved to Swift Current in 1990, and he soon began working as a Wal-Mart greeter, a job that he enjoyed immensely. In 2006, health reasons forced Jim to move to The Bentley. In August of 2007, Jim moved to the Swift Current Care Centre where Marj continued to visit him daily and care for him until his passing on April 18, 2008. Jim went to be with his Lord at the age of 82 years and we rejoice that he is home in heaven. Jim will be remembered for his love of animals, his renowned hospitality, the kindness he showed to strangers and friends, his ability to visit with anyone, his sense of humor, and his love for his family. Jim leaves to mourn his loving wife of 57 years, Marj; his children, Donna (Henry) Goertzen, Winnipeg, MB, Richard (Norma) Wharton, Saskatoon, SK, Beverley Bailey, Saskatoon, SK, Sharon (Bill) Blinn, Beaumont, AB, Ross Wharton, Altario, AB, Nancy (Myron) Powers, New Sarepta, AB, Melody (Albert) Janzen, Rosenhof, SK, Janine (Bob) Rempel, Rhineland, SK; his grandchildren, Trina Mae Johnson, Kayla, Tiffany, Talita Wharton, Jonathan (Kristen) Bailey, Janelle Bailey, Nevada Blinn, Joshua & Jayson Powers, Ashley, Nathan, Dustin & Mattaus Janzen, Britney & McKinley Rempel; his brother, Fred (Betty); sister-in-law, Doreen Wharton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, William & Etta Wharton; his brothers, Wilfred, Edward and Billy.
The funeral service for Jim was held on April 21, 2008 at 3:00 pm at the Church of the Open Bible with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. Tributes were shared by Melody Janzen, Richard Wharton & Beverley Bailey as well by some of his eldest grandchildren. A video presentation was prepared by Nathan and Ashley Janzen. Special music was performed by David Pollard and Melody Janzen. The internment preceded the funeral service and was held at Burton Cemetery, Vanguard, SK. with the following serving as pallbearers, Albert Janzen, Bill Blinn, Bob Rempel, Myron Powers, Nathan Janzen and Jonathan Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers were Johnny MacKnee, Bill Colquhoun, Norman Gader, Cornelius Janzen, Ken Strauch, Howard Heard, Ed Parkin, Don McElheran, Bob Wharton. Ushers were Kalvin Schlamp, Gord Janzen, Rene Seemel, and Robert Klassen.
The family would appreciate any donations made to the Gideons International, Millar College of the Bible, CSSM camps, or the charity of the donors choice. The family would also like to thank the Swift Current Funeral Home for their help in making the funeral arrangements. |
