Mr. James "Jim" Alexander Wabick

Mr. James Wabick of High River, Alberta passed away at his home on January 26, 2025 at the age of 77 years. James Alexander Wabick, known to many as Jimmy, was born on December 13, 1947, in Eden, Rosedale, Manitoba, to Alex and Mary Wabick. Jim's early years were spent on the family farm near Birnie, Manitoba, alongside his younger brother Barry and sister Sylvia. The farm was a bustling place with cattle, pigs, chickens, and grains, and Jim quickly learned the value of hard work and responsibility. Jim's childhood was filled with memories of milking cows by hand, chopping wood, and working the land. He and Barry attended school four miles away until Grade 8, then continued their education in Eden. As a teenager, Jim developed a passion for hockey, becoming a skilled goaltender. He also enjoyed riding horses, was a bit of a ladies’man, liked his beer and working on fast cars, a hobby that would stay with him. After leaving the farm, Jim worked in Prince Albert, hauling asphalt for a paving crew, and later moved to Melford to do mechanical work and driving. His love for stock racing and working on the cars grew during this time. Eventually, Jim settled in High River, Alberta, where he worked for various utility companies, staying on as they merged and evolved over the years. Jim's personal life was marked by his close relationships with his family and friends. He was a good brother to Sylvia, who lived nearby in Calgary, and often helped her out. Jim and Sylvia's last visit back home was in 2018, a cherished memory for Barry, who had retired in 2011 to care for their parents. Jim's weekly phone calls to Barry became less frequent in recent years, but the bond between the brothers remained strong. Jim leaves behind his brother Barry, nephew John, niece Tracy and her family, friends from the High River area, and his Encore family. He was predeceased by his sister Sylvia, friend Lynda and parents, Alex and Mary. Jim's professional journey in trucking began on the family farm, driving farm trucks and large machinery. At 18, he joined the transportation industry, hauling groceries, tools, asphalt and construction materials. In 1985, Jim transitioned to the utility line construction industry, where he excelled as a Class 1 Driver and Journeyman Boom Truck Operator. His expertise in handling power poles and operating grapple units for FortisAlberta made him a valuable asset to Encore Trucking, when he joined in 2012. Jim's dedication to safety and his exceptional driving skills earned him the AMTA Driver of the Month award on May 27, 2020. His colleagues admired him for his knowledge of truck repairs, his excellent attitude towards safety, and his ability to mentor new drivers. Jim's professional accomplishments include thousands of trailers loaded and delivered safely over his 55-year career, all with a grin on his face and a contagious chuckle. Jim's colleagues remember him as a go-to driver and crane operator, always ready to tackle any job, regardless of the weather or conditions. His strong organizational skills, mechanical aptitude, and ability to handle power poles with precision made him an exceptional employee. When training a new grapple operator, we sent them down to High River and would ask Jimmy for his opinion and he would evaluate them and give a straight answer, right between the eyes. Jim's sense of humor and friendly demeanor brightened the days of everyone he encountered, whether at the main office in Edmonton or out on the road. Jim's legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and a love for life. He will be remembered for his contributions to the trucking industry, his mentorship of new drivers, and his unwavering commitment to safety. Jim's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his impact on the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Jim. You will be dearly missed. A Memorial Service will be held at Lyle Reeves Funeral Atrium on Saturday, March 29, 2025, between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (403.652.4242).

Tributes

Mr. James "Jim" Alexander Wabick

December 13, 1947 - January 26, 2025