James (Jim) Herasymuik July 2, 1938 - March 4, 2012. James "Jim" Herasymuik, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on March 4, 2012 at the age of 73. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his wife of 50 years, Marie; his four daughters whom he adored: Chris (Kevin) Billinton, Brenda (Bob) Zunti, Kim Herasymuik, Darlene (Kelly) Blanch and nine grandchildren, Mitchell, Jamie, Kendra, Mackenzie, Jamieson, Tyson, Harrison, Foster and Griffin; his brothers, Gerry (Bonnie) Harris, Len (Joy) Harris, Raymond (Elaine) Harrison; his sister-in-law, Carol Spasnik, as well as extended family and loving friends. James John Herasymuik was born in 1938 in Goodeve, SK to Katherine (nee Goodsey) and Andrew Herasymuik. The second oldest of six siblings, James was an independent little boy and a big help to his mom when his father died prematurely in 1946. James took on the role of father figure to his younger siblings when his mom went to work nights to support her young family. James fell in love and married his soul mate, Marie Skilnik in 1961; their marriage blessed them with four daughters. In 1964, James became a journeyman mechanic and started Transmission and Differential Services with his brother, Raymond. Eventually the business grew to include Can West Distributors and later, J & M Transmission up until his retirement in 2008. James had a love of life and enjoyed the simple pleasures. A special spot for his family was the family cabin at Burgess Beach, Good Spirit Lake. Summers were spent on the water and the beach, relaxing and visiting with family and friends. The lone male in a house full of women, James taught his daughters love, self-respect, strength and extreme patience! He loved fishing, hunting, berry and mushroom picking, spending time with his family and friends, history, travel, gardening, and having a good laugh. James taught all who had the pleasure of knowing him, how to be a good friend, neighbour and volunteer. One of the most important aspects of his life was his 46 years of service with the Parkland Lions Club. A project near and dear to his heart was the Lions' Wilderness Experience. James spearheaded a campaign that raised enough money to purchase a pontoon boat to use at the camp, enabling the clients in wheelchairs and their caregivers to be more comfortable. After his retirement, Jim and Marie were able to enjoy their love of travel with a road trip to Alaska, a Caribbean Cruise, multiple trips to the Maritimes, and a month in Australia. James suffered a heart attack on November 22, 2011 and had bypass surgery, followed by renal failure and he finally succumbed to an aortic aneurysm. Although the last three months were a difficult time for his family, they were also a beautiful gift. James and Marie were supported, loved and surrounded by their four daughters. The time that they were able to share together on this journey was priceless, and they are eternally grateful. James is now in the arms of God and has joined his parents, Andrew Herasymuik and Kay Goodsey, his brothers, Ernie Spasnik and Nestor Herasymuik, in Heaven. The family extends their gratitude to all that have journeyed and supported them during the last three months. A special thank-you to The Yorkton Parkland Lions Club, Dr. Booker, Dr. Moustapha, Dr. Richardson, Dr. Barton, Dr. Ubhi, and the many more doctors, nurses and health care workers. We are blessed and thank all of our wonderful friends and neighbours for their kindness. God Bless You All! Prayer services were held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK with Father Peter Pidskalny, C.Ss.R. officiating. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, March 9, 2012 also from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Father Peter Pidskalny, C.Ss.R. serving as the Celebrant. The Cross Bearer was MacKenzie Zunti and the Epistle Reader was Jamie Billinton. The responses were led by Mr. Ed Pindus and Members of the Yorkton Ukrainian Catholic Choir. Darlene Blanch gave tribute to her father in eulogy and Mitchell Billinton served as the Urn Bearer. A private family cremation committal will take place at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
