Obituary for Rodney James
Rodney James
July 26, 1932 – December 2, 2022
Rod passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Tudor Manor, Okotoks. We were so happy to have celebrated his 90th birthday this July with many family and friends. Rod is survived by one sister Marjorie, brother-in-law Herb, his three children Bob (Heather), Lorna (Cathy), Ann (Ron), stepdaughter Heather (Keith), stepson Rob (Barb), 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, plus a very large extended family. He was predeceased by grandson Randy.
Rodney had cattle, especially purebred cattle, in his blood from an early age. Improving Canada's beef herds was paramount through his life. He was one of the first to bring Charolais from the States in 1958, (at the age of 26), was instrumental in bringing Charolais, Simmental and other breeds from Europe, started several beef breed magazines, set up a beef operation in Nova Scotia, and started Purebred Sales Management companies to market these new breeds. Charcan and later Transcon Livestock Corp. sales management companies and selling Simmental and Charolais, were the passion for most of his life. He was supported by his first wife Pearl through these endeavours.
Then in 1985, in a major departure from the beef industry, Rod and second wife Mernie purchased the Ginger Tea Room on main street Okotoks. When there wasn't a square inch in that building not filled with merchandise, and the tea room area was too small, they decided they had to expand and built the new Ginger Room on Riverside Drive, moving in May of 1990. That business they ran until 2001.
The Ginger Room and land base became important in different ways. The back acre was sold and it and an adjoining parcel became the Heartland Retirement Complex where he resided after selling his house. The Ginger Room building was purchased by the Okotoks United Church and they built a beautiful sanctuary on the back where his service will be held.
Services will be held at the Okotoks United Church (43 Riverside Drive, Okotoks) on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm. If you choose, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Rod, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
July 26, 1932 – December 2, 2022
Rod passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Tudor Manor, Okotoks. We were so happy to have celebrated his 90th birthday this July with many family and friends. Rod is survived by one sister Marjorie, brother-in-law Herb, his three children Bob (Heather), Lorna (Cathy), Ann (Ron), stepdaughter Heather (Keith), stepson Rob (Barb), 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, plus a very large extended family. He was predeceased by grandson Randy.
Rodney had cattle, especially purebred cattle, in his blood from an early age. Improving Canada's beef herds was paramount through his life. He was one of the first to bring Charolais from the States in 1958, (at the age of 26), was instrumental in bringing Charolais, Simmental and other breeds from Europe, started several beef breed magazines, set up a beef operation in Nova Scotia, and started Purebred Sales Management companies to market these new breeds. Charcan and later Transcon Livestock Corp. sales management companies and selling Simmental and Charolais, were the passion for most of his life. He was supported by his first wife Pearl through these endeavours.
Then in 1985, in a major departure from the beef industry, Rod and second wife Mernie purchased the Ginger Tea Room on main street Okotoks. When there wasn't a square inch in that building not filled with merchandise, and the tea room area was too small, they decided they had to expand and built the new Ginger Room on Riverside Drive, moving in May of 1990. That business they ran until 2001.
The Ginger Room and land base became important in different ways. The back acre was sold and it and an adjoining parcel became the Heartland Retirement Complex where he resided after selling his house. The Ginger Room building was purchased by the Okotoks United Church and they built a beautiful sanctuary on the back where his service will be held.
Services will be held at the Okotoks United Church (43 Riverside Drive, Okotoks) on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm. If you choose, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Rod, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.