James Francis DePape passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on April 29, 2013. Jim was born in Russell, MB on December 9, 1945 to Frank and Mary (Buchberger) DePape. Jim was the youngest of five children. He grew up on the family farm near Langenburg in the Landshut district. He attended school in Landshut and Langenburg. In 1959, Jim along with his mom and dad, moved to Langenburg, where he lived until he began his working career. Jim left home in 1964 to work on the oil rigs but in 1966, his strong sense of roots brought him home to work on the construction of the new IMC mine. He officially became an IMC employee on February 1, 1967. He worked there in a number of different positions for 42 years. He retired from the mine on June 2, 2009. Jim married the love of his life, Frances (McNeil), on February 5, 1966 and they enjoyed 47 years of true happiness. Together, they proudly raised four boys in Churchbridge. In the winter, Jim spent countless hours at the hockey rink. He travelled the province watching and coaching his boys as they played on many different teams. The summers were always spent at the lake. Pyott's West was where he was happiest. Jim enjoyed spending hours with his family: fishing, skiing, building and teaching the grandchildren to drive the golf cart. Jim loved to use his hands and had amazing woodworking skills. He took great pride in creating his scroll saw projects. Prior to retirement, Jim and Fran bought a property in Weslaco, Texas. His retirement plans included becoming a Winter Texan. They practiced retirement for a number of years enjoying the sun of Texas for six weeks each year. Upon his retirement, Texas became his winter home from November to April. He looked forward to getting to his place in Magic Valley Park where he spent his time playing pool with his buddies and creating little projects to keep his hands busy. While in Weslaco, one of his favorite past times was going to Mexico to see what kind of deals he could make with the vendors. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren. Each one held a special place in his heart and he was very proud to be their Papa. Whether it was watching hockey or attending dance recitals, he loved every minute of his time with them and developed bonds that can never be broken. Jim was predeceased by his loving parents, Frank and Mary; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Margaret (Ryan) McNeil; sister-in-law, Marlene (Picker) DePape; brother-in-law, Gerald Schaan; and niece, Lori Morash. Jim will be missed more than words can describe by his wife, Fran; his children, Dale and Veronica, Darin and Jodi, Dean and Kami, and Dave and Bonnie; grandchildren, Catlin (Nicole), Dalaney, Kael, Myah, McKena, Lexi and Lila; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Gavin and Kayne; brother, Daniel DePape; brother, Joe (Elaine) DePape; sister, Mary Lou Schaan; sister, Doris (Al) Zandee; mother-in-law, Pat McNeil; brother-in-law, Wally (Shirley) McNeil; sister-in-law, Eileen McNeil; sister-in-law, Sheila (Don) Morash; brother-in-law, Mike (Cindy) McNeil; brother-in-law, Albert (Sharon) McNeil and many nieces and nephews. A Prayer Service was held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Langenburg, SK with Father Bruno Moduthagam officiating. Members of St. Joseph's Folk Group led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Peace is Flowing Like a River", "Psalm 23", "Be Not Afraid" and "Amazing Grace". The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Langenburg, SK with Father Bruno Moduthagam serving as the Celebrant. Members of St. Joseph's Folk Group led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Here I Am Lord", "Psalm 116", "Prayer of St. Francis", "Only a Shadow", "I Will Raise Him Up" and "I Will Never Forget You". The Cross Bearer was Dorenda McNeil, the readers were Dan McNeil and Doug McNeil and Jim's son, Dave DePape shared words of tribute and eulogy. The Internment followed in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in Langenburg, SK with Wally Buchberger, Ivan Barber, Francis Dressler, Harold Cave, Rick McGregor and Alvin VanCaeseele serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may make donations in Jim's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan as tokens of remembrance. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
