James "Jim" John CALWELL

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jim Calwell announce his passing at RUH on August 30, 2025. James John Calwell was born at Elrose Union Hospital on August 13, 1940. He was the 6th of 9 children born to Jack and Gladys Calwell. Jim was raised on the family farm and took his schooling in Elrose. After high school, Jim worked for Tommy Myers at the feedlot and then drove truck for Marshall Smith. Jim started farming in 1967 and actively farmed for over 50 years alongside his sons and later his grandsons. In 1979 Jim started a seed cleaning business, Calwell Seeds, and cleaned grain for local farmers and commercially for various companies. Jim made many lifelong connections and friendships through the business.

Jim married Joyce Shaw in 1964, daughter Lorna arrived in 1965, son Tim in 1967 and son Mark in 1971. Jim and Joyce raised their family on the Calwell farm and lived there for 42 years before moving to Elrose. Jim was very involved in the community and enjoyed small town living.

Jim and Joyce were fortunate to spend many winters in Phoenix, first at Happy Trails and then at Traditions where they met lifelong friends. As the years went on, the kids tried to convince their Dad that it would be easier to fly than drive but Jim wouldn’t hear of it. Why spend half a day sitting around an airport when you can drive there in 2? Jim enjoyed many sports and activities growing up, especially curling and hockey. In later years, golf became his sport of passion. In 2021 Jim and Joyce bought a place at Candle Lake near the golf course where he spent many hours golfing, visiting and placing the odd friendly bet.

Jim was a quiet, kind, generous man and enjoyed the simple things in life; checking crops, working in the yard, golfing, watching all sports on TV, especially his beloved Montreal Canadiens, New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers. He was a loyal friend and dedicated community member. He loved spending time with his family and was especially proud of all his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years Joyce; and their 3 children - Daughter Lorna Gibson (Jim) and their children Eric (Chloe) and Kristi (Nathaniel). Son Tim (Lisa) and their children Garrett (Kacie), Jackson (Megan) and Josie Kiel (Derek and their daughter Cora). Son Mark (Kerri) and their children Clair (Parker Douglas), John (Jade Boyd) and Harrison.

Jim is also survived by his sisters Pat Gulak and Ila Tatomir and brother Ivan (Laurie) Calwell, sisters-in-law Tena Calwell and Lorna Calwell; Joyce’s siblings Arnold (Ann), Ken (Linda), Orville (Lynn), Marie Opsahl, Jimmy, Brenda Jensen (Cliff), Debbie Rousson (Dan); numerous nieces and nephews and many great friends who held a special place in his heart.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Jack and Gladys and his siblings Tom, Vern, Bob, Grant and Susan and brothers-in-law Ben Gulak, David McAfee, Paul Tatomir and Bob Opsahl.

A Come and Go Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Elrose Memorial Hall. 

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rosetown Hospital; STARS Air Ambulance; the doctors and nurses at RUH, you are all amazing! A special acknowledgment to the Elrose Fire & Ambulance crew and to Rosetown EMS for your quick response and your kindness. Donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Elrose Volunteer Fire Brigade, Box 601, Elrose SK S0L 0Z0.