JAMES EDGAR PROTASIEWICZ

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES EDGAR PROTASIEWICZ

March 19, 1937- July 22, 2023

It is with great sadness the family of James Edgar Protasiewicz announces the passing of an extraordinary man who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to so many.



James passed away peacefully on Saturday July 22, 2023 at the age of 86 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Left to mourn and rejoice in his memory are his two daughters and a son which includes Kim Grzybowski and husband George of Duncan BC, Gwen Buller and husband David of Acworth, GA, and son Anthony Protasiewicz of Vancouver, BC. James' son Brian, wife Marie, and brother Teddy predeceased him. James also leaves behind grandchildren Greg Grzybowski and his girlfriend Veronica of Duncan, BC, Krista Grzybowski of Duncan, BC, David Buller and his wife Kimbar of Jacksonville Beach FL, Laura Buller of Acworth, GA, Brittney Brock and her husband Spencer of Dallas, GA, Nicole Cunnington and her fiancée Ralph of Surrey, BC, Alicia Protasiewicz and her fiancée Adam of Chilliwack, BC, and Jeremy Hamilton of Vancouver, BC. James also leaves behind five great-grandchildren, Dominic Grzybowski, Shelby Grzybowski, Tannis Verbeek, David Buller and Teddy Buller, as well as a large extended family that includes many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.



Jimmy was born in 1937, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up with family all around him in Winnipeg and Cook's Creek. Those who knew Jimmy knew he was always wheeling and dealing. From a young boy selling newspapers on the corner of Portage Avenue and Main St. to selling watches, he was always hustling. Jimmy had an incredible work ethic and had many different types of jobs growing up. He worked as a shoe shine boy, Salisbury House short order cook, bartender, in the mines, and even as a taxi driver.



Jimmy was a sharp dresser always a crisp white shirt and the shiniest shoes. He was a charmer with the ladies. Even at a young age the ladies chased him and he chased them. He was an incredible dancer just like his father. Jimmy met beautiful Marie when he was just 18, and they fell madly in love and were married immediately. They both loved to dance, and often cleared the dance floor for everyone to watch them dance to one of their favorites, "In The Mood". They even won contests doing the Jive. It was a complete pleasure to watch them.



They started a family straight away and then he started to work for AEI. This company had them travel across Canada, from the Okanagan Valley all the way to Halifax with their young family. In 1970, Jimmy and Marie took their adventures across the pond and enjoyed a European vacation. They both loved travel and visited Hawaii, MazatIan, Puerto Vallarta, Barbados and finally Acapulco. Jimmy and Marie chose gorgeous Acapulco to be their home away from home for the next 25 years. In 1972, they moved to Cooks Creek where they planted their roots.



You would know Jimmy's place as the "house with the enormous satellite dish." Everyone knew he loved watching his TV. We think fondly of him watching his favorite John Wayne western for the 50th time and drinking a beer. Jimmy started working for MTS, and retired after 20 years.



He always looked forward doing charitable work. Raising money for the the United Way at MTS was just one example. No one could ever say no to Jimmy. He would always get your donation. Jimmy also loved helping run the bingo at the Knights of Columbus. Even into his 70s he would drive all around Atlanta to help his daughter Gwen pick up donations for charity work.



Jimmy was known for his passion of making conversation. He had so many stories to share with all audiences, young and old. Another great thing about Jimmy was his ability to find a garage sale. He would pull up in his little truck with his companion in the passenger seat "the mannequin" and get ready to make a deal. He was always such a great character.



Jimmy moved to Duncan, BC, in 2020 to be closer to his daughter Kim and her family. Kim and her family have been incredible caregivers and constant support for her father. In the final days of Jimmy's illness the prayers, kind gestures, and encouraging thoughts of scores of extended family members and friends, both new and old, sustained Jimmy and his immediate family. It is requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of The United Way in James Protasiewicz's name. A private interment will be held in the fall.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2023