James "Jim" Michael Irwin

James “Jim” Michael Irwin passed away at the age of 69 on October 4, 2024 in Magrath, Alberta, with his family by his side, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on November 6, 1954 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, the oldest of three children born to H. James and Barbara L. (Nadeau) Irwin. Jim’s family moved to Calgary when he was a baby, and he spent most of his life there. He received his schooling at Woodman Jr. High and Henry Wisewood High School.

He was proud of his “illustrious career” in Grade 9 basketball, winning the city championships, before changing his focus to music. He loved to golf, especially his weekly game with his dad at Canyon Meadows Golf Course. He was a die-hard fan of the Oakland Raiders whether they were winning or losing. He loved travelling to live games in Oakland and Las Vegas with his children.

Jim loved music and had a natural talent and passion. He started playing bass guitar at an early age and was a member of many Calgary-based bands, including Geppetto, Barbarossa, Spunk, and most recently, the Gunn Blues Band. A highlight for Jim was when Barbarossa was the opening band for Kiss in 1974 at SAIT. He was very proud that the Gunn Blues Band album debuted on the Blues Chart at number 1 in the UK and was on the first of two rounds of voting for the Grammy’s. Jim recognized the power of music and loved all genres.

Jim married Cynthia K. Rice on February 29, 1992, in Magrath, Alberta. He loved and cherished Cindy their entire 32 of marriage. Jim openly said that marrying Cindy was the best thing that ever happened to him. They made their home in Calgary and raised their family there. When they retired in 2023, Jim and Cindy moved to Magrath, Alberta.

He worked as a courier in his 20’s and 30’s to supplement his income as a musician. He then worked as a financial planner with Manulife Financial and afterward opened Irwin Financial. Later, he became the VP of Business Development at Acure Health. When he was in his 50’s, he left his office job and began a home renovation business, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Jim and Cindy loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together and with family. Some of his favorite trips were Ireland (many plates of fish and chips), Scotland (eating haggis), New York (loved the Halal Guys), and Paris (nothing like a good pain au chocolat!)

He was a great supporter of his children and grandchildren, attending sporting events, recitals, and performances. He loved to visit with family and was willing to travel long distances to see those who lived far away. Jim had many friends and could always be counted on to stop and visit for a while.

Jim served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a testimony of Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Redeemer. He held many positions and was a dedicated temple worker in the Calgary temple. He loved his time serving in the Midnapore and Somerset Ward Bishoprics. He was service-oriented, helping wherever he could. He especially loved teaching the youth in Seminary and Sunday School.

Jim was a kind and caring man. He had a special way of making people feel important and seen. He had a nurturing, thoughtful and affectionate personality. To know him was to love him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cynthia K. (Rice) Irwin, and his children: Sherri Austin, Logan, Utah; Sky Irwin (Robert), Ontario; Jesse Bourne (Amanda), Calgary; Kyle Bourne (Pamela), Magrath; Vanessa Irwin (Morgan Gamache), Vernon, BC; Alexandra Irwin, Calgary; and 11 grandchildren: Scott James Ruston; Elizabeth, Emily, Taylor, and Braydon Bourne; Madelynne, Noah, Katherine, Gabriella, Olivia, and Thomas Bourne. He is also survived by his sister, Cara (Ross) Mullen of Calgary, and David Irwin of Okotoks. He leaves behind his adored dog, Delilah. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Allen Cummer.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, October 11, at the Magrath Cemetery at 4 PM. All family and friends are welcome. The Graveside Service will be recorded and uploaded to the Legacy Funeral Home website. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sundance Chapel, 100 Sunpark Drive SE, Calgary. All family and friends are welcome. The Memorial Service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend; https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81457768206