James Keith Kirkup

With great sadness, we announce that Jim Kirkup passed away, surrounded by family, on April 26, 2023 at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife Carolyn; Jim’s daughter Kelly; Grandchildren Kaitlin (Riley), Brett (Jill), Great Granddaughter Charlie, Luke (Brianne); Jim’s son Kary (Susie), Grandchildren Karissa and Tyler; Carolyn’s daughter, Jessica (Trevor), Grandchildren Chloe, Emily (Caleb), and Matthew; Carolyn’s son Luke (Sigrun), Grandsons Alexander and Andrew; Jim’s Siblings Bill (Sheila), Bob (Lennie), Wilma, Tom (Lorraine), Sister-in-law Donna, Brother-in-law Larry, Sister-in-law Arlene (Jim) and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by wife Marie, of 44 years, Parents Cecil and Eva, In-laws Keith and Dorothy, Sisters-in-law Maureen, Darlene and Brothers-in-law Don and Mel.

Jim was born in Melita on January 11, 1945. He was always a hard worker; as a young boy he had a paper route, then later worked at a menswear store, and for MB Hydro. After getting his teacher’s certificate, his first teaching job was in Waskada where he met Marie Millar. They married in 1969 and welcomed children Kelly and Kary. He continued in his career at Pierson School as a Teacher and Principal for the next 18 years. Then, Jim and Marie bought the H&R Block in Portage la Prairie and operated it for 22 years.  Jim married Carolyn Askin in 2015, and opened his heart to many more family and friends. Jim and Carolyn resided in Brandon where he continued with taxes and bookkeeping until shortly before his death.

Jim was an active guy. He was an avid baseball and hockey coach, liked to curl, golf, play ball and participate in triathlons. When he wasn’t participating in a sport, he was cheering on his family from the sidelines, or watching his favorite sports on TV. An accomplishment which he rarely spoke about, but was very proud of, was his induction into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.

Jim found great pleasure in being with his family, travelling and spending time at the lake. 

Some people have a way of leading by example, and Jim, in his humble way, was one of those men. It was a blessing to love and be loved by him. He will be deeply missed.

Thank you to the special team of people on the Palliative ward at the Assiniboine Center in Brandon for their great care.

Viewing and visitation will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Wilma Shirriff officiating. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The service will be livestreamed , see below to register and view.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation – Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Ave E, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3.

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again."

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com