Obituary of James Bryan Massey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Massey on August 9, 2020, in Regina, SK, at the age of 83 years. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

Jim was born December 15, 1936 in Winnipeg, MB, the youngest of two children. He grew up in Manitoba, mainly Winnipeg but was in Pine Falls a few years as a teenager. 

 

Jim was introduced to the love of his life, Elizabeth, by good friends Lloyd/Helen Mitchell. Lloyd boarded with the Massey’s. Jim/Lloyd went to a dance and found Betty, visiting from Edmonton. He knew when Betty headed home, he should follow her – that she was the one.

 

Jim was young when he married in June of 1956, only 19 years old. The young couple started their family in Thompson, MB. Jim loved to say he became a Journeyman, a father, and was laid off the same day. The new family soon moved to Edmonton, where they settled and welcomed the rest of the children. 

 

Jim began his trade as an electrician at Technical School in Winnipeg shortly before he was married. He apprenticed with Kummen-Shipman. Later, working at Burroughs Business Machines, Jim worked on business machines and computers at the dawn of the digital age. He spent most of his electrical career at the University of Alberta Hospital. He was also a caretaker at a downtown Edmonton apartment building for a time.

 

Something that angered Jim, and that triggered his looking to Jehovah, was when he was told God had a name. When a workmate, Don Stefanzio, showed him Jehovah’s name in the Bible, he couldn’t believe he had never seen that. All those years of Sunday school, and no one had ever shown him that. He was furious. That was Jim’s lightbulb moment, and the beginning of the entire family’s journey to knowing Jehovah. Don introduced him to his Creator by showing him God’s personal name, Jehovah, found in his own Bible at Psalms 83:18. Jim and Betty were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 60’s.

 

Much time was spent over the years at maintenance and construction of Kingdom Halls, the Onoway Assembly Hall, even working on Bethel in Georgetown. He helped with builds at Clearwater, Hinton, and Whitehorse to name but a few. He was still working on KH maintenance well in to his 80’s. Jim and Betty attended an international convention in Brazil. 

 

Jim took his family on regular camping trips with dear friends over the years. This instilled love for our Creator, and appreciation for the work of his hands. This love continues to support us all and lives on into the next generation. 

 

He leaves behind his best friend and wife Elizabeth (Betty); children: Gordon (Kerry), Norman (Toni), Allan (Ruth), Susan (Tim) Nelson, and Todd (Sherry); 21 grandchildren: Bradley (Amanda), Christopher (Lorelei), Erik (Chelsea), Nicole (Logan), Tiffany (Lindsay), Timothy (Juliesse), Tinicia (Andrew), Laili, Haili (Jacob), Roya (Brandon), Matthew, Craig (Anita), Cassandra (Jesse), Daniel (Jennifer), Taylor (Shaynna), Corban (Meagan), Chaselyn, Shelby (Vinny), Cinnamon, Elizabeth (Mitchell), Caroline (Jordan), and Patricia (Brandon); 14 great grandchildren: : Avery, Aiden, Dominic, Ashton, Reynolds, Levi, Lily, Oliver, Mya, Owen, Octavia, Jacob, and Ember; sister Glenda Brian. As well as numerous nieces and nephews, and an innumerable number of spiritual family and friends. He was predeceased by parents Robert and Agnes Massey.

 

Jim was a kind, spiritual man. The most important thing in his life was his love for Jehovah. He loved people and wanted everyone to know about Jehovah, looking for every opportunity to share his faith. Jim loved working with his hands, and teaching Bible truths. Gifts he has passed on to all his children.

 

An online memorial service is being arranged, details to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses through the website www.jw.org.