It is with great sadness that the family of James “Jim” Joseph Rawlek announces his passing on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Grande Prairie, AB, from a brave fight with cancer at the age of 70 years.

Jim was born on May 18, 1955, in Spirit River, AB, to parents Albert and Julie Rawlek (née Korol). He had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Jim grew up on the family farm in Rycroft, AB, where hard work was a daily occurrence. This work ethic followed him throughout his life, where he put 100% into any task given to him, a testament to the values instilled at a young age.

With his experience of farm life, it was a given that Jim chose to be a mechanic. He gained this by completing his education as a journeyman Red Seal Heavy Duty Mechanic in 1980. With this education, Jim began his career at Cominco Mines in Pine Point, NWT.

While working in the Northwest Territories, Jim met the love of his life, Valerie Irene “Kelly,” and together they would raise Kelly’s children Tracey, Cherri, and George. Although not blood or adopted children, Jim saw them as his own and loved them deeply.

Jim had many passions, but the two he felt strongest about were his desire to volunteer and to work the soil in his garden. Jim volunteered at Teepee Creek and Pards for over 20 years, where he could be found doing anything from walking horses, cleaning stalls, or flipping pancakes at fundraisers. He was known to be a prankster and could talk your ear off. The joy of summer brought Jim's second passion, his garden. Tilled with love, his garden not only produced the efforts he put into it, but its bounty was shared with the less fortunate at the Friendship Centre.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, best friend “Kelly,” who stood by his side with their children Cherri and George until his passing.

He is also survived by his daughter Tracey (George), residing in Winnipeg, MB; daughter Cherri; son George (Joni); his mother Julia Rawlek (née Karol); siblings Carol (Jerry), Ivan (Pam), Pat (Trish), Gloria (Steve), and Georgia (Ron); brothers Albert and Donnie; grandchildren Jesika, and Emma; 3 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Albert Rawlek.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, AB.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pards (info@pards.ca) or the Alberta Cancer Foundation (www.albertacancer.ca).