Janet James passed away on Mon. June 27, 2022 in Edmonton, Alta. at the age of 94 years.
Janet Eileen James was born on the farm at Lauderdale, Alta. on Dec 13, 1927. Her Aunt Marion was there to help her into the world. They placed her into a basket and put her by the heater on that cold December night.
Her dad is remembered to have declared her to be the smartest of the bunch because she could lift her head while in that basket.
She grew up on the farm with eight siblings and attended Lauderdale school until high school. She then attended school in Castor and boarded at the dorm there with her good friend and cousin, Evelyn Marshall.
After high school Janet went to Calgary to study at secretarial school and then returned to Castor and worked in the bank.
She met Des in high school and would attend the Saturday night dances with him. They married Oct 28, 1948. They moved to their farm a year later and spent many, many, too many years (according to mom) renovating the old farmhouse.
Karen was born a year and a half later and Ken two years after that, Trudy 1.5 years after Ken, four years later was Joan and Pam two years later. Yes, she was a very busy farmer and homemaker with her five kids, immaculate home and garden and her community involvement.
Janet put many volunteer hours into various women’s organizations including UCW, Royal Purple and Bulwark Friendship Club as well as leading the CGIT youth group.
She always had a huge garden from which she had to can or freeze so much of the extra. (There have been many arguments amongst the grandchildren over the years about who gets the last of the canned peaches.)
She worked on the machinery at the farm when needed, especially driving the grain truck. On top of that Des would often give her a day’s notice of a trip to Victoria or some such place. Janet would miraculously pack up the family of seven, and make it happen.
Janet’s skill as a baker was well known. Her baking was valuable on the school lunch trade, her chocolate chip cookies could bring in a big haul. Her apple pie was renowned in the community not to mention her chocolate cake. She also hosted wonderful holiday family dinners right up until she was 80.
She was also a fabulous grandmother. Just ask any of her 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
She is remembered by so many of us as providing such a complete sense of security, comfort, and without a doubt unconditional love. She made us all feel special to her.
Janet was predeceased by her husband Desmond, daughter Pam and six of her eight siblings.
She is survived by her daughter Karen and her children Shanthi (Brian) and Tristan; her son Ken (Rita) and their children Josh (Chantelle), Ben (Samantha), Adam (Becky); her daughter Trudy (Kent) and their children Korli (Don), Braelyn (Jeremy) and Kale; her daughter Joan and her children Mackenzie (Josh) and Morgan; by Pam’s husband Dennis (Sherri) and their children Deni (Cora) and Drew (Ryan); as well as 22 great grandchildren. Also her sister Ruth (Ed) and brother Russell.
Funeral services were held on Mon. July 4, 2022 at Knox United Church, Castor, Alta. Janet was laid to rest along side her loving husband Des in the Castor Cemetery.
Friends may leave condolences to the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com.
Memorial contributions in Janet’s memory may be made to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund.
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please call 403-882-3141.
