Obituary of James (Jim) Abbott

ABBOTT: James Alexander (Jim) Abbott died in Brandon on March 31, 2019. Jim was born in Brandon on September 25, 1955, the eldest child of the late Josephine and Lionel Abbott. He is survived by his sister Mary Jo Abbott (David Pedersen). When he was a young boy Jim was identified as being special needs. The school system was not yet prepared for special needs children, and Jim's education was at the Manitoba School in Portage. Jim lived in Elm Cottage for four years and learned reading, writing, basic math, and woodworking. He came home every weekend by Greyhound bus and we drove him back on Sunday. Just as he later knew every Brandon Transit route and driver, Jim knew every Greyhound driver by name. When Jim finished his education he returned to Brandon and worked at CAMROC and ARM Industries. He lived semi-independently, was married for several years, and enjoyed his cats, trips to Winnipeg, listening to music, and bowling. Jim was very proud that he had been on the Manitoba Special Olympics bowling team that competed in Toronto. Jim also very much enjoyed joining volunteer groups and going to meetings. He always dressed up in a sports jacket, shirt and tie, dress pants and cowboy boots, and was a familiar figure as he strode around town, waving and calling to everyone he knew. In trying to simply live his life in a way that most people take for granted, Jim fought a lifelong crusade against the significant obstacles he was given at birth. That battle wore him down earlier than it should have. As he aged and required more care, Jim moved into an apartment that he shared with his good friend Corey, where they were both well cared for by Brandon Support Services. Jim stayed in his home as long as his health allowed, but moved into the Assiniboine Centre for the last months of his life. He died there at age 63 without attaining his frequently mentioned personal goal of receiving his Old Age Pension. Jim died as he lived his entire life, with an enormous and strong heart that just didn't want to quit. Jim will be cremated and interred at the Brandon Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Those who knew Jim will remember that there was nothing he loved more than a good funeral tea, so if you wish, buy a loaf of fruit bread, layer on some cheese, and raise a cup of tea in Jim's memory. For those who might prefer to make a donation in his honour, please know that Jim took immense pleasure in going to the summer camps that Brandon Support Services organizes each year. Not all their clients have the means to attend, and BSS helps all those they can. If you wish to donate to a camp fund in Jim's memory it will make some individuals very happy. Donations should be made out to Brandon Support Services (1540 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 0M6). "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"