Jim Philip Klassen

Jim Klassen

August 12, 1954 – January 31, 2025

Jim Philip Klassen, ladies man, foodie, snazzy dresser, and traveler, suddenly relocated from earth on Friday, January 31, 2025, and is now exploring the universe.  He escaped this mortal realm at the age of 70 years 4 months and a bit.  He made his last wildly inappropriate and probably sarcastic comment at 8:06 pm at the HSC in Winnipeg.

Jim was born and immediately dubbed “our favorite child” to Peter and Tini (nee: Peters) Klassen on August 12, 1954, in MacGregor MB.  Jim was not aware until adulthood that his actual birth name was indeed “Jimmy Philip”, a story he was renowned for repeating as it made him feel special.

Jim married his main squeeze, Bonny Dumas, on June 18, 2015, in a private exchange at Tim Horton’s (1st date location) over coffee and donuts. Thank you to Micheal, Chantel and Pat for witnessing the “4th times a charm” moment.

Some of Jim’s proudest accomplishments are his three kids, Adam, Jake and Danica, as well as the children he inherited on June 18th:  Leilani, Benji, Jaimé, Philana, Travis and his joy, Daniel.  He taught them to hunt, fish, to select a quality hammer, to love nature, and to just be thankful.  Jim loved to spend time with his abundance of grandchildren, to whom he was known as Grandpa, Opa or Poopa.  Jim truly loved all children.  One of the girls made the comment, “virtually all the pictures we have of Jim, he was holding a child on his lap”.  He took pleasure in allowing the grands to eat things they shouldn’t and lawnmower or truck rides to the horses were a must. 

As an adult, he graduated from SIAST College for which he was truly proud and only wished his mother were around to see the day. 

Jim’s employment history was standard, working around the province holding various positions, and enjoying them all, for the most part.  His 10 plus years as an estimator (Coop Building Centre), left many a customer, contractor and co-worker exposed to Jim’s unique personality.

Jim was preceded in death by his mom and dad, one brother, his mother-in-law and a couple friends whom he sorely missed.

His family and friends knew Jim as a kind and generous person who would drive four hours to change your flat tire at midnight if you called and asked him to.  He was a fabulous person in many respects, could be infuriating at times, but always a rock! 

Although a less than average life span, Jim did not live an average life. Hunting was his passion and he missed it this last couple years when his hunting buds were no longer available to hunt with.  Jim traveled where he wanted to travel, laughed at every chance, learned what he wanted to learn, fix what he wanted to fix and loved who he wanted to love. 

He had a life-long love affair with pork & bean sandwiches, fried eggs, pancakes, mashed potatoes, cherry pie, rice pudding with raisins, cream peas on toast and root beer.  And of course, coffee, coffee and more coffee!

Jim was a John Wayne aficionado, with a vast movie collection and his infamous story of how he had met “the Duke” in person.  Jim died knowing that Rooster Cogburn was the best movie ever, John Wayne the baddest man on the planet, Marty Robbins the best recording artist (El Passo City), that there were not enough Zane Grey or Louis L’Amour books, and that chicks dig scars and El Caminos.

Jim’s hospital stay was brief, and the family would like to thank the Dauphin nursing staff and HSC staff for the incredible care they provided to Jim and Bonny during his hospital tour. Thank you to Nichole and Lance for their support and assistance during this trying time as well.

Following his wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to write a note to your MLA and ask for the repeal of Day Light Saving Time.  Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be kept around as long as his wife still walks the earth.

In lieu of flowers (he thought they were a waste), donations may be made to Ridgeway Cemetery, Box 141, Rorketon MB R0L 1R0 or something for the grandbabies!

Ryan Raffray…..can’t say enough!

“Courage is being scared to death…….and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne