JAMES THOMAS SENOS passed peacefully at home on July 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. That story telling cowboy with the huge smile was greeted at heaven’s gate. He is survived by his wife Bev, his sons Brennan and Sean, his step-son Chris (Buckland) and step-daughter Kim (Heuff) along with 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jim was pre-deceased by his first wife Suzanne (Terri) Moore, his twin brothers Eric and Edward and his sister Joyce (Saunders).
Jim lived a full and colourful life with no regrets. He was born Sept. 25, 1937 in Ottawa, ON. At the age of 17 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served 5 years as a physical education instructor. His duties took him overseas during that time. Upon his return his dream was to become a phys ed teacher and while waiting to get into teachers college, he worked several small jobs ultimately settling into the auto industry as a sales person where he soon became the general manager of Myers Motors in Ottawa. He then became co-owner and president of the former Voyageur Pontiac Buick Ltd. In Orleans, ON. and owner of the former Heritage Dodge, Chrysler, in Vars, ON. Upon the death of his first wife Terri, he sold the Chrysler dealership and in 1997 retired from the Pontiac Buick Dealership.
Jim always had a passion for horses. As a boy he worked at the track near his home in Ottawa. He bought and sold horses as a means of supporting his young family while establishing his car business. He loved buying and selling. Always making deals. His passion for horses intensified and Jim became a well-respected and accomplished horseman in both English and Western divisions .His greatest joy though was Tie-down Roping, followed by Team Roping. Jim was a member of many equine associations both in the east and here in Alberta, most recently as a member of the Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Assoc. His last rodeo competition was April 26-28 this spring with his son Sean as his header. He was so proud of his “Father-son” team & they did place & get some points towards the finals. Jim was anxious to get to the finals again this year just as he has every year in the past.
Jim’s family meant everything to him. Always proud of both sons their accomplishments and their families. His grandchildren were so important and he loved getting them on a horse and teaching them all that he knew. Always keeping an open mind, reading and watching countless videos as to improve upon his skills. The children loved “BoBo” as he was knick-named because he was full of energy and fun. Life with family around was his utmost joy.
Jim and Bev had 31 glorious years together living every minute to the fullest, sharing a love beyond measure. In 2004 they closed up their children’s educational farm “Little Rascal Ranch” in Russell, ON and moved to Alberta. Jim wanted to be a real cowboy. He dearly loved gathering cattle in the hills and going to brandings. Traveling, riding, working beside each other and enjoying every moment. No stones were left unturned, no regrets. His “Bucket” was empty as Jim managed to do everything he had ever dreamed of or imagined.
His illness was the first for him and he always considered himself so very blessed to have had 81 years of outstanding life. His cancer was never a big issue for him. He continued doing all the things he loved, for as long as he possibly could. Life was so good!
So many people’s lives have been touched in a profound way simply for meeting this positive, kind, generous and loving man with the biggest smile engraved on his face. Not a day passed that Jim was not happy. Whistling a tune repeatedly, seeing his glass always at least half full. No regrets. Happiness was his choice. He “Lived his dream”
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held Monday, July 15th at 2 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 4304 2 St. W, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Peace Lutheran Church or to the Claresholm & District health Foundation 221-43 Av W. Claresholm AB T0L 0T0. Internment to take place in Russell, ON at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Jim Thomas Senos September 25 1937 July 10 2019 (age 81)..
Death notice for the town of: Claresholm, Province: Alberta
I’m sharing my memories of Jim that go away back in time when he and his family lived on Ridge Road in Carlsbad Springs, or Gloucester – whatever that area was called. Sean and Brennan were just little kids. I bought my second horse from Jim, a registered quarter horse named Drumleesh, and showed him in hunter classes. Those were the days when myself and my friends were horse crazy and we all lived in the general area. So many memories. One time Jim decided to ride with the Ottawa Valley Hunt with his T-Bone McQ (spelling?) quarter horse. I think we all managed to put together enough English riding gear for Jim to wear. I cannot post this photo here apparently but if you want to see it, contact me. Jim is riding T-Bone and laughing, and making everyone else smile. That’s Jim.