James Robert Short

Jim will be forever remembered by his wife of 52 years, Donalda Short; daughters: Crystal (Graham) Schmidt and Cheryl (Donald) Higgins; son Trevor Short; and granddaughters: Jayna, Jessie, Jocelyn, Brynn and Dawsyn. Jim is also survived by his siblings: Joe Short, Patsy Schwartz, Peggy Kowalchuk (Ed), Ricki (Willie) Lafontaine, Dorothy (Gilbert) Lachance and Rae McMillian.

Jim was predeceased by both his parents, his sister-in-law Joyce Short, his brother Mel (Jean) Short, his brother-in-law Albert Schwartz, and his grandsons: Michael Schmidt and Rowyn Higgins.

Jim was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, the seventh of eight children born to Eugene and Annie Short. His childhood was spent in the San Clara, Manitoba area, where he developed a deep love of all sports. At 13, Jim left home for St. Vladimir’s College, a minor seminary boarding school in Roblin, Manitoba. He was taught fully in Ukrainian, developed incredible discipline, sang in the choir, played every sport he could, made great friends and was able to do his favorite thing in the world daily, play hockey. After graduation, he pursued Accounting/Management in Winnipeg and met the woman who would eventually become his wife, Donalda. He and Donalda spent many happy years living in Winnipeg (MB), Canora (SK), Saskatoon (SK) and Roblin (MB), having fun with friends and family, getting involved in community and always enjoying the life around them.

Jim and Donalda made the decision to move their young family (with daughters Crystal and Cheryl), to Pincher Creek, Alberta for a new role. It is here their son Trevor was born and where he settled into being the General Manager of Co-op, which brought him immense joy over the next ten years. He met many wonderful people, colleagues would become family and Jim fully entrenched himself in the community, even running for mayor of the town! He loved to golf, bowl, play squash, socialize and be involved in community events as much as he could. He helped start a Toastmasters chapter, brought the Rocky Mountain Road Rally and Kite festival to the area, had a hand in a local film festival, was involved in tourism and the economic development of Pincher Creek and many, many other things.

From Co-op, Jim and Donalda took the leap into entrepreneurship, purchasing a grocery store with partners in the Crowsnest Pass. Everyone worked hard and learned a lot but it ultimately led to the creation of his most cherished endeavor, JRS Management/Liberty Tax Service. He went back to his accounting roots to build a business close to his heart. The business expanded with an office in Lethbridge and he eventually brought Trevor on board. Jim and Donalda were happy to settle closer to two of their kids.

In Lethbridge, Jim was again very involved in the community and looked to explore his Metis heritage. He worked extensively with the Lethbridge homeless shelter, Napi Friendship Centre (Pincher Creek), Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre, Aboriginal Housing Society and traveled to many Indigenous gatherings where he was an honored participant/attendee. For his community work, he was presented a key to the City of Lethbridge by Mayor Bob Tarlek, honoured with a sacred Headdress ceremony and given the name, Naatsikàpoi saapo’p (Two Plumes) and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. As grandkids came into his world, he found great enjoyment in their presence, supported their endeavors and was so proud of his whole family.

Jim excelled at everything he did. He was always in pursuit of the next level of excellence and it showed in his many, many accomplishments. As evidenced by his full life, he believed strongly in being of service to his community. His was a life well lived.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Peter Lougheed Hospital, medical specialists in Calgary, and staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their care and compassion. Jim truly felt taken care of and often mentioned how well he was treated. Thank you to everyone who took time to send messages to Jim, he enjoyed reading and hearing about every one of them. Lastly, a very special thank you also to the staff at Liberty Tax, who continue to work hard for Jim, making sure his vision continues on.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be had at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.