James WALL

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WALL: James Douglas Wall, beloved husband of Beth, with his family at his side passed away quietly on Friday, February 11, 2011 at the age of 77 years after a long battle with cancer. Jim was born March 22, 1933 in Brandon, Manitoba to Jesse and Audrey Wall. He attended McLaren, Alexander, Earl Haig schools and graduated Brandon Collegiate Institute. Jim had a great work ethic and his first job was with Cater Pumps Works installing and building Cater pumps. Joining the 82nd Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets Jim wouldhave his first encounters with aviation. Selling 150 tickets at a dollar a piece would get Jim his first airplane ride. As a cadet he would learn to fly in 1950 and in 1951 spend six weeks in Britain on an international exchange. In 1954, Jim would attain his commercial pilot licence. He also competed in the Webster Trophy contest for best amateur pilot in Canada placing second. In 1956, Jim attained his Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence. By now Jim had met the love of his life Elizabeth (Beth) Hunter at a Presbyterian youth conference. Jim and Beth would be married in 1957. In 1959, son David would be born, a very proud moment in Jim's life. Jim worked for the Brandon Flying Club and Brandon Air Service which later became Maple Leaf Aviation Ltd. In 1971, Jim and Beth would purchase Maple Leaf Aviation. He was a Cessna Aircraft dealer and Cessna would recognize Jim for his 25 years of dealership service in 1978. Through Jim's life he was a member of Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (55 years), Manitoba Flying Farmers and the Brandon Flying Club. Jim had the opportunity to conduct many aerial wildlife surveys, power and pipeline patrols, photo and police work in his career. He had many second and third generation business relationships with his customers. Jim developed a passion for genealogy later in life and was a member of many family history groups. He was able to bring together his passion for airplanes and family history into his final aviation career. In 1999, Jim was approached by Transport Canada to become a Ministers Delegate Maintenance (MD-M) which he carried out to his last day of work January 28, 2011. Jim proudly imported and certified many aircraft into Canada fromthroughout North America and the world. Jim was predeceased by his father Jesse, mother Audrey and brother-in-law Les Munroe. He leaves to celebrate his life wife Beth, son David (Karen), grandchildren Brittany (special friend Steven Melnyk) and Grant, and sister Edith Munroe. The Ceremony to Celebrate Jim's Life was held at the First Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 18, 2011. Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim officiated. Interment followed in the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to The Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, 339-12th Street, Brandon, R7A 4M3 or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 26, 2011