With heavy hearts, we announce Jim’s passing on October 1, 2020 peacefully at home at the age of 75.

 

He is survived by his sweetie Pat and her family, children; Allan (Paige), Lara (Gerald); grandchildren; Jessica, Ellianna, Avonlea, Jayden, Colby, Peyton, Neyla and William;  predeceased by his parents; Allan and Nellie and his sister Marilyn (Tom).

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Jim, as everyone called him, was born in Portage la Prairie Manitoba. He grew up in High Bluff outside of Portage, where he attended a small school house and eventually went to Portage Collegiate . Growing up his parents owned a successful gas station in Portage la Prairie, where he worked  doing whatever job needed to be done. But the job he loved most was working on cars. He was brilliant with anything mechanical, electrical, carpentry or that just needed fixing.  He spent his whole life passionately developing these skills and always left family and friends in awe of his talents. 

 

Upon graduation from high school he attended the University of Manitoba, earning his teaching degree.  He taught industrial arts as well as some math and science, mostly at Acadia Junior High in Winnipeg. While at the University of Manitoba, he met Judy Claeys , who he married and had his children Allan and Lara with. In 1977 they moved out to Headingley, where he built their family home alongside his dad on a beautiful property which he always loved. He would continue to live in that home for the rest of his life. 

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Jim loved the outdoors, animals, and sports. He always wished he had played sports as a child, but never had the opportunity. He made up for it though by giving his children every opportunity to participate. He rarely missed a game in which his children were playing in, even into their adult years. In Jim’s adult years he participated in a variety of activities as well. Water skiing, biking, rollerblading, windsurfing, cross country skiing, swimming, he even learnt  to ice skate and coached his son’s hockey team. He continued to do all these activities right into his 70’s.  It was through his daughter playing ringette that he met Pat Shuttleworth.  A woman who he would fall in love with, and spend the rest of his life with. Pat and Jim had many wonderful years together seeing the world, camping, biking, skiing, even just cuddling and watching a movie, if Jim could stay awake. They both shared the same values of family and love of life. 

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The two of them ended up with 16 grandchildren. Eight from Pat’s children, and eight from Allan and Lara. His children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He loved spending time with them and there was nothing he would not have done for his family. Jim made sacrifice after sacrifice for his family his whole life and because of it he lived a more full life than anyone could imagine. Jim was loved more than he could ever know. 

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in stories and condolences for the family by commenting in the comment section.

 

In accordance with his wishes, a virtual service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.  Details are below.

 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Jumpstart or Oasis Community Church (for Winnipeg).

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Topic: James William Asplin 

Time: Oct 7, 2020 02:00 PM Winnipeg

 

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