January 11, 1940 - January 11, 2025
The family of James (Jim) Bales is saddened to announce his passing at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the age of 85 years.
Jim was born one of nine children to George and Robina Bales in Cremona, AB. Throughout his life, he lived in many locations throughout Southern Alberta, in addition to spending time in Washington State, USA, and the Okanagan, BC before spending his final years in Calgary, AB.
Jim was the loving father of Dougie Bales (deceased), Kevin (Annie) Bales, Elaine (Rob) Wishart, and Debby Bales, and Grandpa Jim to Kevin Bales Jr. and Ryan Bales. Jim is survived by sisters, Kathleen, Edna, Mary; and brother, Bob. He was predeceased by his parents, son, and siblings, Bendena, Ken, George Jr., and Doug.
Jim experienced countless meaningful relationships during his lifetime and will be warmly remembered by his many close relatives and valued friends. Thank you for the love and care you’ve shown him over the years, and thank you for the many memories. Thank you Lauratta Hooft, Pauline Madge, and Ruby Friesen for the companionship, kindness, and laughs you shared with Jim, he treasured your friendship and support.
Jim worked very hard in a variety of fields from the time he was young until his retirement when he took up the RV lifestyle for a period of time. He was musically inclined and loved listening and dancing to country music, playing old time favorites on his guitar, and participating in a volunteer choir. He was a master of puzzles, he was an animal lover (especially for his beloved companion, Tripawd), and he also enjoyed being physically active in numerous sports and then daily walks in his later years. Jim was a storyteller; he could strike up a conversation anytime with anyone and he shared humor and friendship wherever he went. He will be greatly missed.
Cremation will take place at Choice Memorial in Calgary. To accommodate Jim’s preference for warmer weather, or rather his dislike of the cold, a Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date this spring, at which time he will also be placed with his son, Dougie at the Carstairs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in Jim’s memory by the Alberta Diabetes Foundation and the Calgary Humane Society. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Jim with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
