ERNEST CHARLES JAMES Obituary

ERNEST CHARLES JAMES attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ernest Charles James.

Graduation Year	Class of 1958
Date of Passing	May 24, 2012
About	ERNEST CHARLES JAMES With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Ernest Charles James (Chmelnytski) on May 24, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Pauline Symchuk; daughter Lesley Larsen and her children Chelsea (Darrell) and Ryan; son Michael (Keri) and their sons Alexander and Jasper; daughter Shawnne James and her daughter Kaydence; ex-wife Lynda Williams; brother Brian; sisters Caroline, Valerie, Sheila, and Livia. He was predeceased by his father Peter Chmelnytski. Ernie was born December 7, 1940 in Winnipeg. In his youth, he lived in Lowlands and Teulon before moving back to Winnipeg where he attended Sisler High School. He served eight years in the Military Police Reserves earning the distinguished Crossed Rifles and Crown. In the late 1960s he moved to British Columbia and worked in lumber mills, restaurants and as an artist. One of his favourite jobs was transporting animals across Canada for Al Oeming and the Alberta Game Farm with his cousin Ed Wickstrom. Before moving back to Winnipeg in the early 1980s, Ernie lost his hearing as a victim of a violent robbery. Ernie was a generous person who always had a smile and a joke, often using his cane as a prop. He was a talented artist, enjoying photographing and painting nature scenes. He collected many things but especially treasured books and magazines about art, nature, geology and astronomy. Going for road trips with his family was a favourite activity. Whether it was to the family homestead in Lowland, prospecting for rocks or going to Brandon or Kenora for coffee, he enjoyed getting out on the highway and exploring. Thanks to Ruth Anne at W.R.H.A., Catherine at Age and Opportunity and Dr. Bennigan at Access. A graveside service will be held by Rev. Doug Martindale on Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Lowlands cemetery. Ernie loved white daisies and requested they be the only flower at his funeral. For information on directions please call Michael at 204-792-6586. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2012