Jim Friesen

Jim Friesen, age 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Cypress House, Swift Current, SK.

James “Jim” Peter Friesen was born on November 11, 1926 to Jacob & Catherine Friesen on the family farm near Schoenfeld, SK.

Growing up on a farm in the depression era with seven siblings, Jim quickly learned the value of hard work and ingenuity. Whether it was carpentry, calving, or handling farm equipment, Jim could fix just about anything and became quite a skilled young man.

Maybe it was these skills that caught the attention of a young Mary Ens, and they were married on July 15, 1951. A new life began and Jim & Mary were blessed with five children — Virginia, Dale, Phyllis, Glen, and Luona.

In 1961, he moved his family to the farmyard east of the village, where he lived until moving to his condo in Swift Current. In the winter, Jim loved to build and tinker in his workshop. He built benches and was an excellent cabinet maker.

But life wasn’t always just work, he enjoyed hockey and was an excellent player. The rest of the year he was your typical farmer — always helpful to his neighbors and always on the go. If you wanted to keep up with Jim, you had to walk fast.

Jim also enjoyed traveling, especially to warm climates, and visiting family and friends in Canada and the United States.

Faith was incredibly important to Jim and he was baptized on May 27, 1951. He became a member of the Rhineland Church, taught Sunday School, was involved for many years at Cypress Bible Camp. He made it a priority to teach his children about Jesus and his family was a testimony to godly parenting.

Jim is survived by his children and their families, son-in-law, Jim Meggait, and his children, Amanda Vooys (Corwin and Sam), Anthony (Bev) Meggait (Davis, Elijah, Silas, Levi, Trinity, Elora, Boaz, and Chason), Andrew (Erin) Meggait (Simon and Kalia), Alyssa (Derek) Blok (Kaylee, Noah, Gavin, and Lillian); his son, Dale (Marlene) Friesen, and their children, Jennifer Friesen, Andrea Friesen, Melanie (Ken) Friesen (Jacob, Noah, and Natalie), Kevin (Kristin) Friesen (Tofino and Judah); his daughter, Phyllis (Jack) Schimmel, and their children, Gordon (Linda) Schimmel (Harry, Kim, Dana, and Illiana), Diana (Kevin) Baumann (Ian and Braden), Jimmy (Sarah) Schimmel (Isla), and Corey Schimmel; his daughter, Luona (Kurt) Penner; his brother, John; and by many extended family members and friends.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Mary Friesen; his children, Virginia Meggait and Glen Friesen; his great-grandson, Kohen Meggait; his parents, Jacob & Catherine; and by his siblings, Henry, Wilfred, George, Helen, Elma, and Mary.

The Funeral Service for Jim Friesen was held on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11:00 am from the Rhineland Christian Fellowship Church, Rhineland, SK with Pastor Tim Knelsen officiating. “In the Garden,” “Precious Memories,”and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation, with Beatrice Peters serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Jennifer Friesen and Kevin Friesen, who sang “God of the Mountain.” The eulogy was given by Kurt & Luona Penner. Tributes were given by Jim’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The ushers in the church were Gordon Peters and Frank Rempel.

The service card is available to view below.

The funeral service for Jim Friesen was recorded and available to view here.

The interment service was held immediately following the funeral service from the Rhineland Cemetery, Rhineland, SK with Amanda Vooys, Anthony Meggait, Andrew Meggait, Alyssa Blok, Jennifer Friesen, Andrea Friesen, Kevin Friesen, Kristen Friesen, Melanie Friesen, Ken Friesen, Gordon Schimmel, Diana Bauman, Kevin Bauman, James Schimmel, Sarah Schimmel, and Corey Schimmel serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Jim Friesen, donations made to the Cypress Hills Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family. 

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