James 'Jim' Joseph Mulligan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim Mulligan, age 98, on April 12th, 2025 at Lions Prairie Manor, with family by his side.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen(Elma), parents James and Bridget, brothers, Bobby and Terry and sister, Maureen, as well as mother and father-in law, Betty and Archbold Anderson, and brothers-in- law Doig (Helen), Bob (Mickey), and Walter.

Jim is survived by his children: Dan (Ria), Joe (Marilyn), Mickey Cuthbert, Diane Davis (Al), Bob (Kelley), Roy (Carrie), Ruth, Barb (Shelley), as well grandchildren: Keith, David, Guy (Jess), Michael (Megan), Erin (Joel), Kyle (Erin), Greig (Colleen), Karalyn (Clifford), Heather, Jeff, Shane (Crystal), Ryan (Brittany), Mark (Chelsea), Kurt, Ben (Sarah), Nick (Hayley), Amy (Jake), Julie (Mike) plus 29 great-grandchildren,5 nieces, 1 nephew and many, many cousins and other relatives.

Jim was born in St Paul, MN July 19th, 1926, moving to Fort William, ON (Thunder Bay) in June 1927. Jim went to school in Fort William at St Patrick’s School for grades one – thirteen, except for grade 8 which he attended at St Stanislaus School. His extracurricular activities were varied: theater, basketball, football, and during his senior year (during WW11 era) he worked at a farm from April to June – a privilege for students with good marks.

Jim had several jobs after he finished school: at a dairy, a brewery, a paper mill, a motor supply business and working in the bush for Newago Timber Company with his Uncle Mike Coghlan. He started at Canada Post in 1948 and spent the rest of his working years with them.

On Sept 5, 1949, Jim married Helen “Elma” Anderson and they created a large family together, raising them with lots of love. In 1966, Jim and Helen and their 8 children moved from Fort William to Portage la Prairie, MB where he became Postmaster. He retired from that position in 1981.

Jim lived his Catholic faith, was a dedicated volunteer, working with the Soup Kitchen, Prairie Welcome House, and Palliative Care, including being involved at the very the beginnings of each of these organizations. He also delivered for Meals on Wheels, took communion to parishioners in the hospital and at home, visited the sick and shut-ins as well as various other parish activities. He was also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jim loved the outdoors and he walked constantly. He and Helen snowshoed, camped, canoed, and spent some time volunteering at Quetico Park. They built a cabin in the woods and spent many happy years there. After he retired, Jim and Helen traveled across Canada as well as to England, Scotland and Ireland several times, thrilled to be able to see the countries but also to meet and visit relatives, many of whose families they stayed in touch with throughout the years.

Music was an integral part of Jim’s life, and even in the Manor he had music playing in his room daily. He also loved a good joke and a laugh, always ready with a quick remark, usually delivered with a straight face. Even in the last few years as his health failed him, he could still make us laugh and those were favourite moments for the family.

Jim was sustained by his faith and his love for and from his wife and family. He was a wonderful husband and father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Jim was well loved and respected by many and he will be greatly missed.

Prayers will be held at McKenzie’s Portage Funeral Home, Wednesday, April 23rd at 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Parish on April 24th at 1:00, with burial to follow the reception.

In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Parish, 1125 Saskatchewan Ave, Portage la Prairie, Mb R1N 3Y8; Sunset Palliative Care Inc, Box 92 Portage la Prairie, R1N 3B2; or Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc (Music Therapy), 24-9th St SE, Portage la Prairie, R1N 3V4.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021