James Howard Goertz passed away on April 26, 2021.
Our hearts are deeply hurting, as he was so special to his family and many friends.

James is predeceased by his parents John and Agatha Goertz, sisters Irene Oakey and Doreen Jenereaux, and brother Harvey Goertz.
James leaves to mourn his wife Elsie of 65 years, son Howard (Karen) Goertz, daughters Heather (Marv) Thielmann and Myra (Darcy) Wall. James also leaves ten great-grandchildren, Taber, Payslie & Chesney Goertz, Kade and Nevada Goertz, Gideon & Titus Heikel, Cassidy, Levi & Katie Wall, as we as his siblings Floyd Goertz and Vera Bollinger.

James was born at home near Hodgeville, Saskatchewan and later married Elsie on October 1, 1956. They raised their family in St. Boswells, Saskatchewan. James loved to farm and raise cattle. Many days were spent with family activities including riding horses, snowmobiling, boating, watersports, and fishing on Lake Pelletier, near Swift Current. He taught his kids to work hard, and not to quit until the job was finished. James was a man of great integrity. He had a big heart and would drop whatever he was doing to help someone in need. As the grandkids would say, “he would give the shirt off his back to anyone, including them.” James loved his family, loved his wife, and his people in his world.

Along with his farming, James and Elsie pastored their local church in Hodgeville, caring for the people around them.

James and Elsie moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1989 to semi-retire. They later moved to their acreage north of Cochrane, Alberta where James boarded horses, for many of his neighbours. James loved spending time in the barn visiting with the horse owners. Dad loved to sing and play his guitar. He joined a local quartet which blessed many with their heartfelt gospel music, signing in churches and nursing homes.

James loved camping and joke telling, which brought on much laughter around the campfire. He loved to play a competitive card game, “Rook” men against the women of course! He certainly loved life and loved people. He had a deep faith in God. He didn’t just preach it, he lived it!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds, entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610.

• Date : 2021-05-10
• Location : www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com - Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre