Obituary of James "Jim" Hay

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James Wilfred “Jim” Hay, beloved husband of Janice and dear father of Kristi and Colin. Jim passed away at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the age of 63 years.

Born on May 20, 1962, in Souris, Manitoba to Fred and Dorothy Hay, Jim was raised with (and no doubt spoiled by) his 3 older sisters, Dianne, Connie and Darlene. His early childhood was spent on the family farm, moving into Souris with his parents in 1973. The transition from farm to town came naturally for Jim, thanks to his sociable nature, where he built strong friendships during his school years—many of which endured well into adulthood. Throughout his high school years, it became increasingly clear how deeply he loved both music and acting.

After graduating from Souris Collegiate, Jim began his lifelong career with Ford at Wilton Ford Truck Sales in Brandon, MB and not long after made the move to Wilton Ford Truck Sales in Winnipeg. His Ford career carried on to Landau Lincoln Mercury, Stadium Ford, and Cam Clark Ford in both Winnipeg and Carman. It was during his role as GM in Carman, that the dealership became part of the Driving Change Automotive Group. His career came full circle with a return to Winnipeg, where he took on his final role as Commercial & Fleet Manager at River City Ford, also part of the DCAG family. He valued the professional relationships he cultivated and was especially grateful for the loyalty of customers who remained with him throughout his career.

Jim met Janice Jackson in 1984, they were married on August 5, 1989 and their married life continued in Winnipeg. Soon after came home-ownership followed by the beginning of their family, with daughter Kristi born in 1992, and son Colin in 1993. These were busy but fulfilling years for Jim, as he juggled the joys of a young family with his steadfast dedication to Ford.

From a young age, Jim loved nothing more than settling in for a movie, chips in one hand, iced tea in the other—a simple pleasure that stayed with him always. A lifelong love of the arts brought Jim great happiness, whether attending concerts, festivals, MTC shows, or Rainbow Stage performances. Travel often centered around touring artists, a tradition he and Jan began and continued with Kristi and Colin as they grew older.

Jim’s legacy will be one of kindness, integrity, and a terrific sense of humour. He had a rare talent for conveying volumes—whether with a single sentence or a well-timed facial expression.

His life and memory will be treasured by Jan, Kristi and Colin, as well as his extended family, friends, professional peers, and the many customers who became friends over the years.

We are deeply grateful for the concern and support shown for Jim and his family over these last difficult months.

With heartfelt appreciation, we thank those medical professionals who put Jim’s well-being first. A special thank you to our cherished ‘tall doctor,’ a medical student whose kindness and extra effort in Jim’s final weeks will never be forgotten.

If friends so desire, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre – Donate | Bruce Oake Foundation or Friends of Margaret Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund - C/O Boissevain Morton Foundation - Box 1075, Boissevain, MB, R0K 0E0.