James (Jim) was born in Melfort, to Stella and Les Redgwell. He lived (almost) his entire life on the farm north of Pathlow. Lovingly known to his family and friends as Jim, Jimmy, JR, Redge, Reggie, Uncle Jim, Dad, Pappy, Pops, Papa and Grandpa. He leaves behind his wife Valerie of 55 years and children Tonda (Joe Wilson), Trina (Vincenzo De Palma), Amanda (Andrew Drapak) and Kipp (Matt Eisler). His beloved grandchildren Enzo and Huntley, as well as his bonus granddaughter Brooklynn and great grandchildren Aria and Daryan. He was predeceased by his daughter Selena, 3 short years ago.

Jim was an only child for Les and Stella; they lived in a single bedroom house where he had his own room and his parents slept in the living room. Jim lived some of his winters with different families in Pathlow as 368 was not yet a highway, or even kept plowed, and walking up hill (both ways)to school was too much. His Pathlow school days were filled with the love of playing hockey and baseball.

Jim’s young adult years were filled with a passion for cars, hisboat and his friends. He met Valerie in ’65, and they were together ever since.

His 2 years away from the farm were spent in Saskatoon working at Auto Clearing. Jim and Val then returned to the farm where they spent the summer of 1971 living in a granary, building the house and waiting on the arrival of their first child. With the help of friends and family, especially his father-in-law, they built every part of that house, including much of the furniture.

His working life was spent at various automotive dealerships and agricultural industries. When he “retired” he thoroughly enjoyed working on home projects for others. His time working for 3 rural municipalities filled his love for driving around the countryside and gaining intel on his next “great deal”. He farmed the first half of his life, later choosing to rent out the land.

Remember Jim’s passion for cars, his love of shade on a Mexican beach, fun on his toys, a day at Disney, a Diet Coke, a warm cinnamon bun, long drives to see his kids/grandkids, a good napping chair, a helping hand, a long story, and love for his family.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be directed to Colorectal Cancer Research .

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Melfort Funeral Home Ltd.

mfh@sasktel.net   306-752-2714

• Date : 2026-04-07
• Location : Melfort, Saskatchewan