GROSS
Jim Gross
February 11, 1938 – July 26, 2022
Our much-loved husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa went fishing in the sky the evening of Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
Jim had a small-town childhood with his siblings Ward, Vivian, Ron, and Carol. A lot of great stories from his days in Gretna and Altona while growing up.
Dad met Mom in Stettler when he came to Alberta for work, and they courted for four years and tied the knot on October 31, 1958 (64 years if you’re counting). Jeff came along in 1963, Lori in 1965, and the twins Lynn and Lee in 1966.
Throughout his work career and oil patch years, Dad made his way from Manitoba to Alberta with him and Connie making their final retirement home in Rimbey. Whitecourt and Okotoks were great stops along the way.
Dad’s work spanned as many miles as his fishing career. There wasn’t a fish that Dad couldn’t snag at least once or twice. Countless trips to B.C. salmon fishing and camping. Literally 100s of lakes have seen his lures. All of us kids, grandkids, and friends fit in the boat at one time or another.
When living in Okotoks, Dad influenced a lot of local teens at the hockey rink, and celebrating a provincial win with Jeff and his team. He was a great coach who could shoot the eagle or tape your hands to a stick if need be. Dad was a great junior baseball and senior hockey player.
Dad and Mom’s family grew with Jeff’s twins, James and his daughter Kolby and a little man on the way, and Derek and his son Braxton; Lynn and Wayne brought along Taylor and Victoria; and Lee and Rod’s son Tyler just blessed Dad with his newest great grandson Jax.
Dad and Mom had great vacations and family gatherings together with each of us. Lori and Jay went with Dad and Mom to the Dominican Republic, Halifax with Lynn and Wayne for Taylor’s curling and Missoula MT for Victoria’s softball. Lots of trips to the farm, Campbell River, and Fairmont with Lee and Rod. Countless trips to the lake with Jeff and the boys. Dad also enjoyed hunting and a back road drive with Mom on any given day.
Moosejaw Spa and Casino with Mom was a personal favourite of Dad’s. Mazatlán was a great retreat with extended families as well.
If you would like to share a story or memory of Dad – please reach out to the family member you’re closest to. Feel free to share. We’d love to hear from you!
