JIM BALLENDINE
May 25, 1937 - October 10, 2026
Jim Ballendine
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jim Ballendine on October 10, 2026, with his daughters at his side following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Family meant everything to Jim. He was much loved and will be deeply missed by Sharron, his wife of 61 years; his daughters, Melinda (Chris) Patts and Joanna Ballendine; his special twin granddaughters, Arielle and Hannah Patts; and his sister, Shirley Martin. He was predeceased by his parents, Grace and Ed Ballendine, and his brother-in-law Bill Martin.
A proud North ender, Jim graduated from Isaac Newton High School and started his first job in the human resources department of the C.P.R. After a few years, a new job at Air Canada introduced him to the world of spreadsheets, systems management, and large computer departments. His experience at Air Canada presented new challenges and introduced him to a career path he loved in information technology. He retired after a 29-year career at Cargill Ltd as the corporate I.T. Manager.
Jim fondly remembered the summers of his youth at Ponemah Beach with his parents and sister, Shirley. He eventually built his own cottage with his wife, Sharron, where they spent many wonderful summers with their daughters and family dogs. He loved to be outside whether it was spending time windsurfing, canoeing, or just sitting in the yard reading a book.
Jim was intensely competitive and was often more interested in sports than school. He actively participated in hockey, badminton, and squash throughout his life until he was sidelined by a serious back injury. At that time, he transitioned to cross country skiing and excelled, eventually winning multiple age-group titles in various marathon ski races in Canada and the U.S., including a gold and two silver medals in his age group at the World Masters Championships at the age of 80. Jim thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love for the sport and started instructing ski lessons at the age of 70, eventually obtaining his C.A.N.S.I. Level 3 instructor certificate at 81. In the summer, his passion turned to cycling; he participated in several multi-day tours with Habitat for Humanity over the years, riding from Winnipeg to Kelowna, Chicago, Denver, and Green Bay.
Jim will be remembered by many for his quick wit, warm personality, sharp sense of humor, and genuine interest in people. He always seemed to meet someone he knew, whether he was out walking the dog on Churchill Drive or at the dog park, skiing on the grid at Windsor Park, or out grabbing coffee with his wife.
At Jim's request, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at a private family gathering.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Anne Huot and the staff on the Palliative Care and Medicine units at St. Boniface Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086 TRIBUTES: ejcoutu.ca