James Kenneth (Jim) Cory of Brandon MB, formerly of Wawanesa MB passed away on January 25, 2020 in his 94th year. Predeceased by his wife of 51 years Marjorie Ann in 2004, his son Blair in 1983 and daughter Marsha in 2009. He is survived by his wife, the former Jeanette Gehrling of Brandon.
Jim was born July 23, 1926 at the family farm near Nesbitt, MB, the seventh of 13 children of Bert and Eva Cory. He was educated in Nesbitt School and Success Commercial College in Winnipeg. He was employed by Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company from January 24, 1946 until retirement on July 31, 1987.
On December 27, 1952 Jim married Marjorie Ann Wood and together they raised eight children. Jim was active in the Wawanesa community. He was a Cub Master, member of the Wawanesa Band and volunteered with Canadian Red Cross. Jim was an active member of Wawanesa United Church Choir for 40 years and served on the Church Board. He was a Mason from 1948, past Master of Wawanesa Lodge #67 and presently a member of Wheat City Lodge #168. Jim was proud to have been presented his 70-year pin in 2018.
Music was an important interest all his life. Outside of the local scene in Wawanesa, Jim and Marjorie were charter members of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir from its inception in 1966 until its demise in the 1970s. He and Marjorie sang together at many weddings, funerals and other community events over the years. Jim played fiddle, recorder and clarinet and had varied music tastes. He enjoyed listening to CBC radio.
For many years Jim was active in Minor Sports and encouraged his kids to participate in hockey, baseball, skating, canoeing and cycling. He enjoyed curling and golf. Jim’s love of the family farm carried over into his passion for vegetable and flower gardening. He loved making trips back to Sunnybrook Farm throughout his life. Jim took the family on many camping trips and travelled extensively throughout Britain, Europe, the United States and Canada.
Jim’s keen interest in education was expressed in his eight years as Secretary-Treasurer of Wawanesa School District and 18 years (1974-1992) as Trustee for Souris Valley School Division. In 1992 Jim was awarded the Commemoration Medal for the 125th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in recognition of service to community and Canada. This was a source of great pride to him.
In 1998 Jim and Marjorie sold their home in Wawanesa and moved to Brandon. They became members of Prairie Oasis Senior Centre where Jim participated in choir and floor shuffleboard. Jim resided in Victoria Landing from October 2007 until his re-marriage in August 2011. He led the singing group there along with his wife Jean. In June 2019 Jim and Jean moved together to Victoria Landing.
Jim leaves a large family legacy. He is survived by his six children Dale (Susan), Mark (Michelle), Owen (Melanie), Paul, Myra (Rob) and Neil (Leslie); nine grandchildren Craig (Kate), Michael, Matthew, Chelsea (Theo), Emma, Alyssa (Cody), Samantha (Tyler), Jackson, and Ryan; and five great-grandchildren Liam, Vanessa, Daniel, Phillip and Brooklyn. He is remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Wawanesa Community Foundation, Wawanesa MB R0K 2G0 www.wawanesacommunityfoundation.com/.
Graveside service to be held at Minnewawa Cemetery at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Kenneth Jim Cory Saturday January 25th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Glenboro, Province: Manitoba