Obituary of James Henry Starling

James Henry Starling 1924-2013 Born on March 8, 1924 at home in the Cater district to Len and Jenny Starling. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend. Jim grew up on the south end of Cater Lake with his passion for fishing never wavering. His education took place in the Cater School where he developed great penmanship. At the age of 13, he contracted polio and spent a month in an isolation hospital in North Battleford. He was sent home for a short time and then spent another month in the Regina Grey Nuns hospital. During this time his brother George, who was 15 years old, died from polio. At the age of 16, Jim left school and began working for local farmers. He received big wages of 50 cents a day for stooking. He started farming in 1943 with one horse that he bought from his grandfather and one from Bill Oxley. The rest of the horsepower came from horses that he was breaking for his neighbours. Jim married Nora Heyden on March 16, 1949. They were blessed with 4 children, Audrey, Pat, Barry and Debby, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Farming was good until 1951 when there was a frost on July 18. Jim then went to work for the Pool Elevator at Cavalier. He got sick in January and spent several weeks in Notre Dame Hospital in North Battleford before being transferred by air ambulance to University Hospital in Edmonton where he spent 5 weeks in hospital. Jim came home to Cater in the spring to continue farming. They moved to Medstead in 1954 after buying the piggery from Herman Janzen. Through all his illnesses he didn’t complain and just carried on with the help of his partner Nora. Auction sales were part of the spring ritual. Jim had a Kramer Auction Preferred Customer Card. You have to be a frequent customer to obtain one of those cards! He didn’t always go to buy something specific, but mainly just to visit with neighbours or to meet and talk to farmers from other areas. Most times he came home with treasures too numerous to mention. Jim and Nora loved to dance, attending Square Dances in the Medstead Hall with his cousin Gordon Turnbull calling the squares. Later they took up old time dancing and traveled to dances and Jamborees where and whenever they could. Jim enjoyed carpet bowling in Medstead once a week, and would help to get the carpet wheeled out and set up. He never missed a session of bowling if he could possibly help it. Even after retiring from farming, Jim would come out to the farm in the spring and fall to help out or supervise. He missed farming and working outdoors. He loved to watch his grandchildren in all the activities they were involved in, and was there to show his support to them. He was very proud of his family. Jim was a great friend and neighbour to many and will be missed by all his family and friends. Jim leaves to cherish his memories: His wife of 64 years Nora Starling His children: ~ Audrey (Robert) Klassen and their children: Shannon (Chad) and their daughters Kendra & Jayda, Chad (Karen) and their sons Colton & Lane; ~ Pat (Brian) Radchenko and their children: Corinne & her children Justin & Alyssa, Ryan (Jeanette) & their children Sage & Finnley, Trevor & Chelsie (Jeff); ~ Barry (Jackie) Starling and their children: Riley & Tanis; ~ Debby (Ben) Egeland and their children: Clint (Rachelle) & their sons Marshal, Wendal & Cort, Mark (Christen) & their son Gauge and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends. He is predeceased by: His parents: Len & Jenny Starling, his brothers and a sister Funeral Service for Jim was held Saturday, December 28th, 2013 from the Community Hall in Medstead, Saskatchewan Memorial Donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the Fish Enhancement Projects at Cater Lake c/o Barry Starling. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com The family has entrusted arrangements to Brenda Beaulac of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500