JAMES JENSEN

1916 - 2000

James Jensen, beloved husband of Anne Jensen, of Lethbridge, (formerly of Taber and the Purple Springs Area) passed away peacefully, holding his daughter Carol’s hand on Monday, March 20, 2000 at the Lethbridge Extended Care at the age of 83 years.
Jim known as "Elvin" to many was the eldest of his siblings born March 31, 1916 at Purple Springs weighing two pounds, was placed in a shoe box lined with cotton batten for a bed. The prognosis for Jim's survival was bleak but despite this, James clung to life and not only did he survive but he thrived. James received his primary education at small school houses in southern Alberta rural communities and although James did not receive a formal post secondary education, he possessed a quick and alert intellect that afforded him an astonishing ability to grasp, understand and undertake to completion tasks that required a substantial knowledge of engineering. Even though James was presented the opportunity to attend for engineering, he declined, instead deciding to continue to support his family of origin in which ever ways possible. James helped provide for his sibling family by trapping, hunting and working on the farm. He was a wonderful story teller and loved to share the tales of his adventures.
James found the love of his life when he met Anne Cecile Cassidy of Vauxhall and they were wed March 27, 1940. This was a mixed religious union that raised more than eyebrows but despite this James and Anne persevered, braving disdain from peers and family plus enduring heart felt hardships.
James loved mechanics, pursued and shared this hobby throughout his life. Farming and carpentry were his professions by choice, the later becoming the back bone of his ability to support his burgeoning family. James honed his carpentry skills during the construction of the Taber Sugar Factory and this experience would later serve him well during the construction of large developments such as the Pincher Creek Shell Gas Plant, Peace River Pulp Mill, Taber Stake Centre, Lethbridge Sportsplex, University of Lethbridge, the addition to The Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Winston Churchill High School and many others too numerous to list. James belonged to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers and was well respected in the building community of large developers and home builders alike.
James is survived by his loving wife Anne Cecile, daughters Bernice Gail Seimens of St. Albert, Carol Anne Bidmead and Roberta Marie Keller of Lethbridge, Valerie Cecile Brown of Edmonton, Catherine Elizabeth (Jerry) Van Lent also of Lethbridge and sons Anthony Wayne of Inuvik, Kelly Thomas (Maurene) of Hanna, Kenneth James (Gwen) of Red Deer. James is also survived by grandchildren Shari, Tyrone, Shannon, Denyce, Eric, Christopher, Eileen, Kelvin, Michelle, James, Christine, Jason, Brad, Garret and four great grandchildren Kara Breanne, Brian Thomas and Ilisha & Jayden Thomas along with numerous nieces and nephews. James is survived by brothers Elmer (Irene) of Taber, Ross (Edna) of Taber, sisters Edna (Orlin) Holman of Taber and Rae Shockey of Edmonton.
He was predeceased by his son Tyrone Elvin, daughter Bernadette Anne, granddaughters Kerrie Lee and Kimberly Anne, parents James Andrew and Maude Terease, brothers Gerald, Marion, Glen, Arley and Harold.
He will be sorely missed by all but with God's grace has gone to a much better place.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, March 23, 2000 from 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and also at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday, March 24, 2000 from 12:30 P.M. to 1:45 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, March 24, 2000 at 2:00 P.M. Interment followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in James’ name may be made directly to the Parkinson's Society of Southern Alberta, 480D - 36 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2G 1N4.