MacArthur
Mr. James Gordon MacArthur passed away on January 7, 2014 at the Stettler Health Care Centre at the age of 85 years. Jim was born on August 21, 1928 to Bertha and Gordon MacArthur.
Jim took grade schooling in the Zenith School, and then went on to High School in Stettler. In September 1946 entered the University of Alberta and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. It was at University that Jim met his future wife Lillian Wennick and they later married December 1, 1951. While in Edmonton Jim worked for Poole Construction on the expansion of the MacDonald Hotel on Jasper Avenue, and moved to the new farm in 1952 to begin their life together. Jim and Lillian raised four children: Linda in 1954, Gordon 1955, Doug in 1956 and Margo in 1959.
Jim started farming with cereal crops and gradually worked into beef, buying foundation Blond d' Aquitaine cattle and maintaining the herd until 1987, as well as dairy cattle and hogs. Jim was assistant leader of the Botha Beef Club during the time the children were involved; as well as a long time member of the Botha Curling Club.
As a youngster, working with his mother, Jim discovered he had inherited a passion for gardening and growing trees. When he had acquired his own farm, he started an extensive windbreak around the yard. When he had sufficient protection from the elements he began his orchards of fruit trees including may varieties of plums, apples and pears especially developed for the prairies. Every year a huge garden was planted and through the years a variety of raspberries, currants, grapes and cherries were added. Later to share his love of trees with others Jim started a tree nursery. He kept his prices reasonable so everyone could afford them and he always enjoyed sharing his tree knowledge with others. Jim's memory will live on in the many trees in and around the Stettler area that were started and tended in his nursery before going to their final home.
Jim is survived by his family: Linda MacArthur, Gordon MacArthur, Doug (Corrina) MacArthur and Margo (Dave) Herzog; grandchildren: Clayton, Jared, Kent (Bonnie), Chaylene, Kelsey, Vanessa (Leroy) and David; great grandchildren: Jessee, Tabitha, Wyatt, Jake, Luke, Savannah and Caristy; sisters in law Corinne MacArthur and Jenny MacArthur; as well as other relatives and many friends. Predeceased by his parents, wife Lil, brothers Max and Allan, sister Marjorie (Joe) Rothlin and nephew William Rothlin.
Funeral services were held at the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home on January 10, 2014 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Don Wudel officiating. Musician Melanie Weeks presented her gift of music and Brian Laughlin gave the tribute. Honorary Pallbearers were Bill and Violet Pogmore and Ron and Betty Smith; Pallbearers were Kent, Jared, Clayton MacArthur, David Herzog and Vanessa and Leroy Ulmer. Jim will be interred in Woodland Cemetery, Botha, Alberta in the spring.
Family and friends gathered for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by the Botha U.C.W.
Condolences may be viewed or sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com
STETTLER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM
entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
For further information 403-742-3422