Jim Asham

Byron James Alfred Asham known to all as Jim, formerly of Leifur, Manitoba passed away peacefully on November 2, 2019 with family by his side at the Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home.  

Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Marlene, his children, Terri, Leon, Mindy (Chris) and Kendall (Kim), nine grandchildren Tyler, Bryce, Amber, Aaron (Mel), Keegan, Alyssa, Lucas, Evan and Danielle as well as one great grandson Kayden.  Also left to mourn Jim's passing, one sister Carole (Joe) Ganter, as well as sisters-in-law, Mabel, Darlene and Shirley McLeod and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Jim was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Helga Asham (nee Anderson), sister Lorna and brother Arnold as well as sister-in-law Lynn Asham (nee Cline), in-laws Alan and Mary McLeod and brothers-in-law Alan, Bob & Gus McLeod. 

Jim was born on July 10, 1931 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to parents Alfred and Helga Asham.  He grew up in the Leifur community where he attended school and worked on the family farm.  After school, Jim moved to Brandon and worked for 15 years at Anglo Canadian Oil.  

On August 1, 1958, he married Marlene McLeod and they resided in Brandon until the oil refinery closed down in 1969.  During their time in Brandon, they welcomed children Therese Marie (Terri) in 1965 and Leon Darnell in 1966.  Once the refinery closed, they had to make a decision on whether to move their young family to a new job posting or set out on their own.  They made the decision to move back to Leifur and purchase the former homestead.  In 1970, Melinda Dawn (Mindy) and Kendall James in 1975 completed their family.  

In addition to farming full time, Jim was a commercial fisherman until 1978 when he became the foreman at CPW (Creative Playroom Workshop) and in later years, a guard for the RCMP in Amaranth.  Life was certainly hectic, but many fond memories were made in those 48 years on the farm.  In December 2017, Dad and Mom moved to Alonsa and in February 2019 due to health issues, Jim moved to the Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home in Ste. Rose .  

Jim enjoyed numerous pastimes, including gardening, playing cards, old time dancing, BINGO and fishing, but he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.  Grampa was proud to attend all of his grandkid's activities and celebrations.  He always made time for family and friends and loved to visit with everyone.  

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 9th at 2:30 pm at the Alonsa Community Centre.  

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Jim to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba or to the Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home in Ste. Rose.  

Jim's family would like to thank Dr. David O'Hagan as well as the staff at the Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home for their guidance, love, compassion and respect.  

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