James Philip Axford

September 24, 1943 – February 8, 2026

James Philip Axford passed away peacefully at home in Olds, Alberta, on February 8, 2026, just as he would have wanted—relaxed in his easy chair, from which he watched countless hours of Roughriders and Oilers games. He was 82 years old.

Jim was born on September 24, 1943, in Carnduff, Saskatchewan, to Frank Axford and Margret “Toots” Axford. From an early age, Jim showed the work ethic, community spirit, and boisterous leadership that would define his life.

In 1964, Jim married the love of his life, Anita (Lemieux). Together they built a life grounded in family, hard work, and laughter. They welcomed their daughter Theresa in 1965 and their son Jamie in 1966. The loss of Jamie in 1986 was a profound heartbreak that Jim carried with him always, yet he continued to show unwavering strength, love, and devotion to his family. Family was always Jim’s greatest pride.

Jim was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned and operated a hardware store and gas station in Alida, Saskatchewan, where he was deeply involved in the community—serving on Village Council, playing and coaching baseball. In 1974, the family moved to Melita, Manitoba, where Jim ran a hardware and contracting company, was a proud member and president of the Kinsmen Club and coached minor hockey, leaving a lasting impact on many young athletes, including Jamie.

In 1982, Jim moved to Penhold, Alberta, where he founded Axford Construction Ltd. A year later, the family moved to Red Deer. Jim continued to work hard until fully retiring in 2020, a milestone he earned many times over.

Jim was a devoted family man and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Anita shipped Theresa off to McGill University in 1982, to study Engineering. Her studies have never stopped, with an MBA and a law degree to follow, all of which Jim would constantly brag about. Theresa married Mike Watson in 1988. Jim delighted in the births of his grandchildren, Jessie in 1991 and Matthew in 1993. Matthew married wife, Justine (Friedlander) in 2022, and Jim was overjoyed to welcome great-grandchildren Éire and Hunter in 2022 and 2023.

Jim and Anita spend 15 winters in Arizona enjoying warmth, golf and great friends. In 2020, Jim retired and he and Anita moved to Olds, Alberta. Jim embraced retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to work.

Jim had a lifelong love of sports and community. He loved golf—particularly hunting for lost balls and ensuring family and friends never ran short—and fishing whenever he could. A natural dancer, Jim was rarely without a partner on the dance floor, much to the delight of “all the ladies.” He was the manager, bus driver, and number one fan of Jamie’s band, Axford. He spent countless hours at Oak Lake, driving the boat and pulling neighborhood kids on water skis, and treasured time at Pine Lake, boating and golfing with family and friends creating great memories.

One of Jim’s great passions was flying. He held a private pilot’s licence and owned his own plane, sharing a special bond over aviation with his daughter Theresa. Jim loved to collect, but his pride and joy was his 1954 Chevy. In 2024, Jim added another memorable chapter to his story when he won the STARS Home Lottery—a moment that brought him great joy, and a new truck!

Jim will be remembered for his generosity, his steady presence, his love of family, and his ability to make everyone laugh and feel welcome. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Olds Healthcare Fundraising

Committee – Acute Care.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Services information will be shared at a later time. Please check back for updates.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2026-02-22
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610