Bom-Wrapper

About An Amazing Life|Help

James (Jim) Leonard Bergstrom

February 23, 1963 – November 28, 2018

James Bergstrom
Share this tribute
Memorial Candles Lit for James (Jim) Leonard Bergstrom | SEE ALL
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
— Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services

Obituary for James (Jim) Leonard Bergstrom

Print
James (Jim) Bergstrom
February 23, 1963 - November 28, 2018

The family of Jim Bergstrom are saddened to announce his passing on November 28, 2018 at his home in Calgary, Alberta. During his last days, he had the support of his sister Susan Bergstrom, dad Art Whetstone, aunt MJ LaFreniere and cancer buddy Nicole Cullen.

Jim was born in Saskatoon and spent his early years in Gaithersburg (Maryland), Saskatoon (Sask) and Kingston (Ontario). He is predeceased by his mother Denise Whetstone and father Jack Bergstrom and survived by his sister Susan Bergstrom, dad Art Whetstone and several aunts, uncles and cousins. His summers were spent at the family cottage at Metinota (Sask), which remained a favourite place to read and relax throughout his life.

Jim was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last February. While the tumour was shrunk through radiation and chemotherapy, the cancer spread to his bones and thoracic lymph nodes before he could have surgery to remove the tumour.

Jim was known by his family, friends and work colleagues as a kind, caring and compassionate person. Jim had a refined sense of humour and liked to humorously make us aware of our incongruities in a kind way. He enjoyed laughing with people and was always ready to provide a helping hand. This caring and supportive nature extended to his work as a manger in a number of security firms. His division always had a significantly lower turnover rate than the company and industry averages, while achieving business growth and reliability of services.

Jim’s primary passion was his Harley Davidson. He would be on the bike with the first melt and rode until the flurries flew. He toured all over Canada, US and Mexico, and loved attending the HOG rallies. There he could wallow in bike lore and beer with fellow bikers.

Jim was an avid history buff. His interest in history began with the US civil war as a child living in Gaithersburg. His later interests included the Roman Empire, World War I and II, naval battles, early Britain and the War of the Roses. He had a phenomenal memory for dates, names and events.

Despite his condition, Jim was able to tour England in August where he visited a select group of historic fortresses, castles and cathedrals that were the sites key events in British history. Two highlights of this trip were (1) visiting the HMS Victory and Nelson’s tomb and viewing the uniform Nelson was wearing when he died and (2) the unexpected appearance of a WW II Spitfire that flew two bypasses along the White Cliffs of Dover. He wanted to visit Pearl Harbour but his illness prevented him from making this trip.

Jim viewed and read a wide variety of news channels and sources. He enjoyed discussing current events and loved to debate his father (Jack) on climate change. Following his work as a commercial pilot and reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces, he had a keen interest and encyclopedic knowledge of aviation and military equipment and strategies. He employed and tested this knowledge as an enthusiastic gamer with a special interest in action, military and strategy games.

Susan and Art thank the physicians and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for their great care throughout Jim’s illness. Most importantly, no words can express our gratitude to Bonnie, Sarah and their colleagues at Calgary Palliative Home Care who provided exceptional care to Jim and who made it possible for Jim to receive the care he needed in his home, where he wanted to spend his final days.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes there will be no funeral. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may make it to Wounded Warriors Canada or Canadian Cancer Society.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of James please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Share by: