James MacWhinnie Sargeant, affectionately known as “Sarge”, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2016. Sarge was born in Spokane, Washington on September 2, 1920 to parents, Ernest Edward and Louise Isabella (McWhinnie) Sargeant. He attended Spokane’s Lewis and Clark High School where he was the 1938 Valedictorian. Sarge graduated cum laude from Stanford in 1942 with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He belonged to Phi Beta Kappa and formed many lasting friendships from his college fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi. In 1942 Sarge was called to active duty with the US Navy at Kodiak, Alaska where he became Senior Lieutenant. It was there he met the love of his life, Pauline Olson. They were married on August 16, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. After World War II Sarge worked for Westin Hotels in Seattle for eight years. In 1952 he started working for Day’s Apparel in Tacoma, Washington and in 1954 he was transferred to CanaDay’s in Moose Jaw until his retirement in 1985. They have resided in Moose Jaw ever since. Together Sarge and Paulie were committed lifelong partners/parents creating a loving, lively and supportive home. Sarge was a spiritual man and was an active member of Zion United Church. He was also a member of Lion’s Club, Hillcrest Golf Club, and the ‘Grumpy Old Men’. Sarge was the very capable and well liked President of CanaDay’s Apparel Ltd. During his retirement he spent winters in Mesa, Arizona and he enjoyed many summers at Buffalo Pound Lake. He was very active and a true armchair athlete. He loved sports with a keen interest in Moose Jaw high school sports, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Stanford football team and, of course, all of his children/grandchildren’s many varied activities. Sarge was highly respected and a friend to all—regardless of age. He shared his witty humour and laughter with everyone. He was a joy to know and a real gentleman. Sarge was predeceased by his parents, two siblings and their spouses, and infant granddaughter, Stephanie Ready. He is survived by devoted, loving wife of 71years, Paulie: children, Jim (Barb) and their children Andrea McLean (Travis, and their children, Blake and Kate) and Tim (Anne-Sophie), all of Calgary; Diana Sargeant of Calgary; Terry (Debbie) and their children Jordan, Paul and Kyle (Cheyenne) of Taber, Nanaimo and Lethbridge; Jana Foushée (Jeff) and their children Charlie (Mikal and their children Myles and Beau) and Marie Foushée Carr (Tyler), all of Seattle, Washington; Jill Ready (Don) and their children Julie and Christine, all of Regina. We would like to thank the many friends, health care workers and neighbors for all of their assistance and care. A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion United Church on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion’s ‘Under the Dome’ fund, Parkinson’s Canada or a charity of your choice. In living memory of Sarge, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
As Sarge says, “It’s Never Goodbye…
Nice to Meet, Nice to Part, Nice to Meet Again”
Blake Seebach Funeral Director