Wortel – Jim (Jacobus) Wortel, beloved husband of Mary, passed away in Brooks, Alberta on November 9th, 2007 at the age of 84. He was born in Bussum, Holland on April 24th, 1923. Jim was raised on a farm and trained to become a premier athlete in track and field. Jim and Mary Grim were married on April 16th, 1952 in Holland and immigrated to Canada that same year. They worked for several farmers in the Duchess area until 1959 when they purchased their first farm along the Duchess highway.
They continued to farm and raise their 6 children in the Duchess area until retirement in 2000. They have resided in Brooks since that time. Jim had a deep passion for track and field, farming, gardening, cattle and all sports, but his love for his wife and children was his zest for life. Jim was predeceased by his son-in-law Todd Boggust in 2001, his parents and 4 brothers. He is survived by his wife Mary of Brooks; 6 children Jim Wortel of Patricia, Bob (Elisa) Wortel of Andrew, Alberta, Fay Wortel of Duchess, Phyllis (John) Fyfe of Calgary, Joyce (Joe) Lokanc of Calgary and Denise Boggust of Paynton, Saskatchewan; 11 grandchildren Terry (Sabrina), Joel (Natasha), Jenna (Nick), Tyler, Claire, Hayden, Daniel, Julie, Angie, Ben and Sam; 2 great grandchildren Samara and Hannah; brother Henk (Loekie) of Holland and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 15th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss of the Trinity Lutheran Church officiated. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Jim’s friends. In memory of Jim, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to The Brooks and District Health Foundation, Enhancement Program – Long Term Care for the Life Enrichment Fund, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
