It is with deep sadness that the family of Jim Sawers announces his peaceful passing on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Pleasant View Lodge at the age of 94.

Jim was born on September 26, 1931, in Wanham, AB. He was the third son of Robert and Anne Sawers. He lived in a little log house with his two older brothers, Rob and Stan, and his little sister Sheena.

Jim’s father passed away when he was 11 years old. He finished Grade 8 and went to work on a surveying crew at age 14. Later, he worked on the farm of Jim Watson, where his love for horses began. In 1949, at the age of 18, he started working for the Alberta Wheat Pool in Wanham. He worked in elevators around the Peace Country and in 1954 he became the Elevator Agent in Woking.

That September, he married the love of his life, Ellamay Gulick, and they started their life together in Woking. In 1955, they welcomed their son James, and a year later, on Jim’s 25th birthday, their daughter, Linda. They lived there for 24 years until he retired from the elevator, and they moved to Grande Prairie. He then worked laying ceramic tile for his son at Spirit River Flooring. In 1982 he bought the Plaza Laundromat in Grande Prairie, which he owned for ten years. During this time, he had numerous 25-cent vending machines and ride-on machines throughout the Peace Country. His grandchildren loved helping him empty the quarters and clean the laundromat! Jim’s final job was with D & D Well Service, which he called his workout job.

After moving to Grande Prairie, he was very proud of the fact that he went back to school and completed his Grade 12 in his 40s.

Jim curled and golfed right into his 80s. Jim taught all of his family how to play crib and shared his love for horses at the horse races. He never missed a sports game that any of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were playing. He was a quiet, gentle man who was always there for his family.

He took trips to Inuvik, Arizona, Jamaica, Disneyland, Hawaii, Radium Hot Springs, and Summerland. He was fortunate to be able to go to Palm Springs every year for ten years. He travelled for 42 years with friends Art and Ona Currie.

Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ellamay; son Jim Sawers (Gaynel); daughter Linda Chmilar (Lennard); nine grandchildren: Rob Sawers (Kristi), Carla Knezevich (Ben), Lynell Geherman (Rudy), Sheena Wallen (Kelsey), Tom Sawers (Justine), Gordon Chmilar (Monika), Talara Germain (Sean), Cole Chmilar (Salima), and Codey Chmilar (Tracy); 28 great-grandchildren: Shanell, Kearra (Marko), Bowden (Cheyenne), Tyra, Dylan (Olivia), Kylie (Ried), Zayn (Zoe), Korben (Erin), Darcy, Brooklyn, Dextin, Brielle, Halle, Kade, Isabelle, Emmett, Annalee, Ethan, Evin, Indira, Allegra, Xavier, Remington, Barrett, Hugo, Florence, Fergus, and Freya; and eight great-great-grandchildren: Miley, Kendrick, Stormi, Jovi, Zoe, Ivy, Evander, Bow, and Milania.

Loveleen, Chester, and Chloe were very important people in the last few years of Jim’s life, and their love and care for him was greatly appreciated.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Anne Sawers; brothers Rob Sawers and Stan Sawers; sister Sheena Rumberger; brother-in-law Bob Rumberger; mother-in-law Margaret Gulick; and father-in-law John Gulick.

The family extends gratitude to the staff at Pleasant View Lodge in Spirit River for their care, support, and compassion.

There will be a private family service held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie.

The service will be livestreamed. The link will be available shortly before the service begins.

While every effort is made to ensure a smooth livestream, technical or broadcast issues may occasionally occur beyond the control of Oliver’s Funeral Home.