YOUNGMAN

REX JAMES (JIMMY) YOUNGMAN       

Rex James (Jimmy) Youngman passed away at Saskatoon City Hospital on September 10, 2017 following several months of illness with cancer. Jimmy is survived by two brothers Terry and Larry, and two sisters Marguerite and Leanne. He was predeceased by two brothers Murray and Don, and two sisters Jean and Reta. Jimmy was born on November 12, 1940 and raised on the family pioneer farm near Secretan, a town that closed down many years ago. He attended a one room country school from age 5 until age 16 when he began his life long career as a farmer. He was the biggest and strongest son in the family which fit well with his love of farming and the hard work that it involved. Jimmy was a very dedicated and successful farmer because that is what he truly loved doing. He respected and cared for the land at an emotional level that can only be understood by farmers like him. Throughout his life, Jimmy drove himself relentlessly to expand and greatly improve the original small farm. These many years of hard work resulted in him tripling the size of the farm over his lifetime. He loved breaking up new fields, clearing away rocks and sloughs, and growing excellent grain crops. He worked many long days of hard physical labour building fences, and managing a large herd of quality cattle. He was proud ofthe manner in which he took great care of his machinery. He was very skilled at operating these machines over difficult terrain. He described wintertime as the hardest and most difficult times of his years on the farm. Jimmy was totally devoted to his parents. Because of him, it was possible for them to remain on the farm where they wanted to live as long as their age and health allowed. He was generous towards his brothers and sisters throughout his life and will be sadly missed. His age and declining health made it necessary for Jimmy to phase out of farming in 2012 after nearly sixty years as an active farmer. He reluctantly retired to Moose Jaw in 2014, and moved to Saskatoon in 2016 to be closer to family. Jimmy's life was very sad after his health and age prevented him from operating his farm and he had to sell it. His health deteriorated quickly in the last year until he passed away. Jimmy requested no public funeral service, and these wishes will be respected. He will be laid to rest in the Moose Jaw Rosedale Cemetery. The family is most appreciative of the kindness and care of the Transitional Care Unit staff at Saskatoon City Hospital who were so kind and helpful with Jim during the weeks he was on that Unit. It was greatly appreciated that Jim was allowed to remain in that Unit for his last days. We also want to commend the private caregivers Michelle, Minda, Shirley and Rebecca who spent so many hours with Jim and helped him with the struggle he endured. Their help was wonderful. In living memory of Jimmy, a memorial planting will be made by Jones Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director