JAMES “JIM” BAKANEC

Posted: August 4th, 2021

James Allan Bakanec completed his earthly pilgrimage on July 31, 2021, at the age of 57 years. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Irene Bakanec (nee Leibel); his father, James Edward Bakanec; his twin sister, Janice Bakanec; his father-in-law, Bob Helmer; and his stepmother, Ita Bakanec (nee Cowman).

 

Left behind to cherish Jim’s memory are his wife of 36 years, Sherry Bakanec; his 3 children, Alisha Bakanec (Bill Starner) & their two children, Azrael & Pyriel; son, Evan Bakanec; and daughter Adaya Bakanec (Devon Bianco); as well as his sister, Debbie Bakanec-Kundert (Steve Kundert); his mother-in-law, Betty Helmer & family (Shelly, Shawna & families); his stepmother, Anna Bakanec (nee Anhelher), and family (Randy & family, Tracy & Charlotte); Patrick Cowman & family; and Norah (nee Cowman) Meyer & family.

 

Jim spent many years in the oil field in a variety of capacities with the last being an opportunity to work in Australia which he very much enjoyed. He loved remodelling his home, as well as helping others out with theirs or anything else they needed, including building cabinets, fancy doll houses and a variety of functional items. He absolutely loved playing drums from early childhood days up to nearly the end of his earthly days. He was a man of many talents and everything he did, he did with zeal and did it very well. As his earthly life evolved, it can most assuredly be said that there were two things in life that were the most important to him; those being his spirituality, connection to The Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his family: his wife Sherry, his children and their families, his in-laws, and especially his much-loved grandchildren, Azrael & Pyriel.

 

About 4 years ago, Jim was diagnosed with cancer. Jim had fought the good fight which reflected his Faith, strength, courage and resilience.

 

Special heartfelt thanks to all the special people at St. Joseph’s Home (Palliative Care Team) where Jim was treated with so much love and where he made some very, very special friends (you know who you are : ) ). Also, a special thank you to all who provided Jim’s Spiritual care and specially to Father Francis who fit so very well within the family unit.

 

Jim’s Funeral Ceremony will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 238 2nd Ave NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 11:00AM with Father Francis Tran officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery (everyone welcome). Donations in Jim’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by

 

Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation

1924 10th Ave N.W.

Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5

www.gracememorial.com

403-905-0440