Obituary for
James (Jimmy) Wacko (Watsko)
November 8, 1933 – October 29, 2021
James (Jimmy) Wacko passed away peacefully in Lamont Auxiliary Hospital on October 29, 2021, after several months of declining health. He was 87 years old.
Jimmy was born to John and Mary (nee Olekshy) Wacko on November 8, 1933, at Star, Alberta. He was the third son of this couple, who were reunited in Canada from Nebyliw, Ukraine in 1929. The Wacko family were ambitious farmers, who amassed multiple quarter sections around Star, Alberta.
Jimmy was an entrepreneur, always looking for another way to maximize the value of his farm. Farming was his business, but music was his passion. Jimmy was inspired by Don Messer and began studying old time fiddling as a 17-year-old. Jimmy founded the band Jimmy and the Lumberjacks, and over 50 years, Jimmy could be heard entertaining thousands at weddings, dances, anniversaries, festivals and reunions across Western Canada. Jimmy won the Alberta CFCW Gold Fiddle Championships in 1963 and 1970 and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 at the National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba.
Jimmy married Verna (nee Hrycyk) in 1958. Together they farmed, made music, and translated songs from English to Ukrainian. The couple can be heard singing and playing together on 3 of the Lumberjack’s 6 albums. The Wacko family homestead was a gathering place for friends. There was always music, a rowdy card game, and much laughter.
Jimmy and Verna welcomed two sons over their 52-year marriage: Jodie and John. When not helping on the farm, both boys founded their own Ukrainian bands – Jodie – Trubka and John – Millenia. Jimmy enjoyed performing with each of his son’s bands through the years and his last album featured both sons.
Never losing touch with Ukraine, Jim and brother Ed sponsored businesses, cousins, and lent financial and legal support to family overseas. Jimmy was a determined man who valued hard work, caring for his things (as was evidenced by his immaculate yard), and surrounding himself with friends.
Jimmy greatly valued the support of Sophie Futoransky, who helped look after Verna prior to her passing, and became a constant presence in his life for the last couple of decades. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Sophie for her love and support for both Verna and Jimmy.
Jimmy is survived by his sons, Jodie (Lydia) and Johnny, and two grandchildren, Orianna and Aleksander; brother, Edward (Leona), sister, Rose (Arnold) Lorenz and sister-in-law, Mary Hrycyk; nephews, Rick Wacko, Ken (Patty) Wacko, Kent Lorenz, and Michael (Elaine) Hrycyk; nieces, Dolores Wacko, Gail Wacko, Bernie (Bruce) Yakoweshen, and Taina (Troy) Turner; and many cousins and great nephews and nieces.
He is predeceased by his wife, Verna, parents John and Mary, eldest brother, William and sister-in-law, Solveig Wacko; nieces, Linda and Leona Wacko, parents-in-law, Rose and Phillip Hrycyk, and brother-in-law, Joe Hrycyk.
A Prayer Service will be held Friday, November 5, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Moyer Recreation Centre Hall in Josephburg, AB with Funeral Service on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Holy Transfiguration Russo Orthodox Church, Star AB. Father Kolin Berglund officiating with interment in the church cemetery.
Please note that in accordance with COVID Protocols attendees will be required to show proof of double vaccinations or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hrs. of the service. Those who are unable to attend may watch a live stream of the service by selecting Webcasting from James Book of Memories on this page.
In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made in Jimmy’s honour to the Lamont Healthcare Centre, Bag 10 Lamont, AB T0B 2R0
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de James Jimmy
Wacko Watsko 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Lamont, Province: Alberta