JIM RACZ

JIM RACZ 1947 ~ 2023
Mr. James ‘Jim’ Ronald Racz, beloved husband of Diane, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the age of 76 years. Affectionately known as “Jimmy the Tulip”, Jim was born February 7, 1947, in Taber, a son to Joseph and Mary Racz. He grew up on the family farm where, from a young age, he learned the value of a hard day’s work. Following graduation from St. Mary’s High School in Taber, Jim moved to Calgary where he first started working at a drug firm. On June 1, 1968, he married Diane Bosch and their marriage was blessed with three children. In 1974, the young family moved to Brooks, and “Tulip” first gained employment at the Horticultural Centre and then Lakeside Milling. Their last move was to Medicine Hat where he was a grain buyer at Landmark Feeds. In his retirement, Jim drove and delivered cars for various dealerships but was particularly fond of the folks at Toyota. He was well-liked and became well-known throughout the province as he made numerous trips over the years. Not only was Jim “a good driver”, but he could also “drive” a hard bargain. Being frugal was a natural talent. Jim was an incredibly hard worker but always made time for his family. Whether it was reading to them or taking the kids to their sporting events… he was always their number one fan! He was a great man with a wonderful sense of humour. People naturally gravitated toward Jim as he could change the energy in the room with his outgoing personality. He loved music and wasn’t afraid to show off his dance moves or belt out a song – he was truly the life of the party! Jim could not only tell jokes, but he would tell them in all different accents for dramatic effect. You could just hear him in his accents say his famous phrases, “you look marvelous” or “you dirty rat”. He was a proud man… proud of his impeccable green grass and most of all his family! Jim was one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed by his dear wife, Diane; three children, son, Glenn (Cori) and his son, Austin; son, Kent (Tanya) and their children, Tatym and Ethan and great-grandson, Flynn; daughter, Denise and her daughters, Taryn, and Tyah; a sister, Margaret (Walter) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary, and his brother, Bill. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road, SE, Medicine Hat on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Private columbarium placement will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made directly to the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation (ICU Unit), 666 – 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”