James Drumheller

James Drumheller

James Drumheller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 28, 2008.
DRUMHELLER, James Vorhees May 25, 1917 - November 25, 2008 Jim Drumheller passed away peacefully, with his beloved companion Meri Carney by his side, on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at the age of 91 years. Jim was born in High River in 1917; grew up on a ranch and remained a rancher at heart throughout his entire life. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Jim worked for many years in the oil business. He was a member of the Glencoe Golf and Country Club and enjoyed many years of playing in the Oilmen's Golf Tournament. He raised his family in Edmonton, and in his middle and later years, lived in both Calgary and on an avocado ranch in Fallbrook, CA. During his last few years of his life, Jim was very involved with his daughter Leanne to create a non-profit retreat centre on a farm near Victoria, BC, and greatly enjoyed spending time there. Jim was always straight-forward and genuine, and he was the quiet, humble strength of our family. His youthful, open-hearted nature became more radiant as the years went by. He had a wonderful, dry sense of humour and was a good teacher in how to stop and appreciate life. His love for family and friends was profound, and extended into deep compassion and generosity toward those in need. We will continue the Drumheller Family Scholarship Foundation that he established. Over the years, his Christian faith deepened and softened his nature, and faith finally carried him home. Jim is survived by his loving companion Meri Carney; sister Betty Brook Ferdyn; son Jim and Lacey Pemberton; daughters, Kathleen, Leanne, and Elizabeth; granddaughter Emma, and many extended family members and friends. We would like to thank the wonderful staff and friends at Staywell Manor and also the staff at Rockyview General Hospital for their caring support. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to your charity of choice. A Private Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2008. Friends and family are invited to a Reception from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (5900 Elbow Drive SW). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com In living memory of Jim Drumheller, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.

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November 23, 2017

Kathy Drumheller posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2008

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2008

Chelsey Merkel posted to the memorial.

26 Entries

Kathy Drumheller

November 23, 2017

I'm so grateful to have been your daughter, for your kindness and endless generosity, for your wisdom and open nature, your willingness to see another's point of view and thoughtfulness when challenged by different ideas. You are a dear and precious soul, so deeply loved and so loving. May you always be surrounded by light and love and laughter. I hope you're golfing.

Mr. D and Ashley-one of many scholarship recipients!

December 14, 2008

Chelsey Merkel

December 10, 2008

To the Drumheller Family,

I was one of the privileged recipients of the Drumheller Family Scholarship in 2007. I would like to send out my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Drumheller family, for the loss of a man who has so kindly helped and cared for many people.

I am currently attending the University of Lethbridge, in hopes of attaining a degree in General Social Science/ Education. The generosity of Mr. Drumheller has enabled me to not only further my education, but to pursue my dream of one day being a teacher and for that I am forever grateful.

I was given the opportunity to meet with Mr. Drumheller, and I feel honored to have met a man with such compassion for individuals that he hardly knew. His passing saddens us all, but we must remember the opportunities, joy, compassion, and blessings that he left behind for so many people. Thank you Mr. Drumheller, for all that you have done for me and many others. It is really appreciated and you will not be forgotten.

Rev Dan and Jenny Dannhauer

December 10, 2008

To the Family of the late James Drumheller:

Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of James Drumheller. Although we only had the pleasure of meeting him once, he was a great blessing to our family. We met Jim at his home in Calgary in July 2007. Jim was genuinely interested in the future plans of our two daughters. Danae, the oldest, received the Drumheller Family Scholarship in 2004. This spring she graduated (as the Valedictorian) with her Bachelor of Theology, Children and Family Ministries emphasis Degree, from Vanguard College. She was debt free, largely due to the generosity of the Scholarship. Danae is continuing her studies at Briercrest Seminary, in the Masters of Leadership. Our youngest daughter Rachel received the Drumheller Family Scholarship in 2007, and is continuing her studies, also debt free to this point, at Vanguard College in Edmonton. The Scholarships will have a lasting benefit for our family, and the generosity truly sets you apart from many others.

Thank-you once again, not only for our family, but for the many families who have been blessed, and for the other families in the future, who will also benefit from this incredible Scholarship. Our prayer is that Jim's legacy will live on in the lives of the many students he has impacted.

Jaffra Markotic

December 9, 2008

To the family of Mr. James Drumheller,

I would like to send my sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will no doubt be remembered through the countless people that he has touched in his life through acts of generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness.

I am very privileged to have been a recipient of the 2008 Drumheller Family Scholarship and it has greatly helped fund my post-secondary education and my dreams. I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Drumheller on the phone this summer but I unfortunately never got a chance to meet him face to face and thank him. This world has lost a wonderful person whose generosity and good heart have impacted my life as well as many others. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this time of loss and remembrance.

Jennifer Andrew (McLellan)

December 8, 2008

To the Drumheller Family,

I was the 1999 recipient of the Drumheller Family Scholarship. Since then, I attended Mount Royal College and received my diploma in Social Work and made the Dean's list. After graduation, I attended the University of Calgary and earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I am currently working with Children Services as a supervisor and adoption worker and I absolutely love it. Without the generous support of Mr. Drumheller and Family, I don't know if I would be where I am today. I am so greatful for the opportunities that have come my way as a result of having the opportunity to pursue post seconday education. I feel that this scholarship offered me the chance to know that social work was for me with the emphasis not only being financial need , but also community involvement and volunteerism.

Thank you again for the opportunity to learn and I send my deepest condolences to your family at this time.

Megan Carter

December 8, 2008

I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the family of James Drumheller. I was saddened to hear of his passing but reminded of his kindness, generosity, and his love for the student's of Drumheller and further education. In 2003, I was honoured to receive the Drumheller Family Scholarship which undoubtedly changed the course of my educational career. I convocated with my BHSc (honours) from the University of Calgary in 2007 and have recently started my Master's in Public Health concentrating in Health Promotion Studies at the University of Alberta. Throughout the duration of my education, I have enjoyed many experiences (like international research opportunities) that I otherwise wouldn't have been a part of and I am truly thankful for his support.

James Drumheller touched many lives and his legacy will live in those he so gratiously supported.

Jessica Alen

December 7, 2008

To the Drumheller Family,

I was a 2003 recipient of the Drumheller Family Scholarship. I have since completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta and am in the process of completing a Master of Arts in International Affairs at Carleton University.

The Drumheller Family Scholarship helped me pursue further education and I would not be where I am today without Mr. Drumheller's generosity.

I was saddened to hear of his passing. He touched the lives of so many students and it is an honour to be one of them. He will not be forgotten.

My sympathies,
Jessica Alen

Ashley Hemming

December 6, 2008

To the Drumheller Family,

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of James Drumheller and my prayers for his family and friends. I was a recipient of the the Drumheller Family Scholarship in 2006 - one of the main reasons I was able to further my education and follow my dreams.
I had the blessing and privilege of meeting Mr. Drumheller, a man truly characterized by his sincerity and generosity. The scholarship, recognizing community involvement and volunteerism, has provided such an opportunity for graduating students in Drumheller. I feel very honored to have known such a selfless, caring man and will never forget the impact his generosity has made in my life.
May your family find comfort and peace during this sad time.

Brenda Andrews

December 6, 2008

Jimmy and family,
I am so sad to hear of the loss of your Dad. He was so kind and loving to me. We had some great conversations during which he expressed so much love for his children. I was honored to been a small part of his life at one time. Jim Drumheller was the finest of men. I will always regret not seeing him as I had planned to.
Love and prayers.
Brenda

Martin & Yvonne McSween & Markotic

December 6, 2008

To the Family of James Drumheller:
We were saddened to here of the passing of someone who has made such a significant contribution to the futures of so many Drumheller students moving into post secondary studies. We are parents of Jaffra Markotic, a recent recipient of the Drumheller Family Scholarship. Our son wote to and had the opportunity to chat with Jim this summer. He is very greatful for the priveledge of receiving this award. It has been beneficial in assisting Jaffra to initiate his studies at the University of Calgary where he is involved in the Faculty of Social Sciences and in an honours program. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family at this time of your loss.

Katie Blanchett

December 5, 2008

To the family of James Drumheller:
I was one of the fortunate recipients of the 2008 Drumheller Family Scholarship at DCHS, and I would like to extend my deepest sympathy towards James' family. The generosity and thoughtfulness displayed by James is a rarity among people, and he will always be remembered within the hearts of many individuals. The scholarship I was awarded has made all the difference within my university education. I currently am currently taking my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education at the University of Lethbridge, and I know that this award has helped me get to where I am today. A "thank you" is simply not enough for all that this incredible man has done for so many youth within the community of Drumheller, and I am honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of this award. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Drumheller family during this difficult time.

Becky Todor

December 5, 2008

I was a recipient of the Drumheller Family Scholarship. While some scholarships focused purely on academic achievement, this scholarship also placed importance on community involvement and being well-rounded. By rewarding these attributes at a young age, I feel I have had the opportunity not just to pursue a post-secondary education, but also a well-balanced and fulfilling life. I will always be grateful to Mr. Drumheller and his family for inspiring me to be my best and to give back to my community. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in knowing that his legacy touches even the lives of people he never met.

Lindsay DeMaere

December 4, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Drumheller's family.
I was one of the recepients of the Drumheller Family Scholarship when I graduated from DCHS in 2001. I have since graduated from the University of Alberta with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with distinction, in 2006 and am currently working in Red Deer in Pedatrics.
Mr. Drumheller's dedication to post secondary education was so evident in helping so many of us achieve our goals. Without Jim's generosity, I may not have been able to experience the success and achievements that I have and feel that the scholarship provided opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise.
I had the opportunity to thank him in person, although I never did feel as if my thanks was enough for the kindness he showed.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all through this difficult time.

Marian Johnson

December 3, 2008

Sincere condolences on the passing of a very generous man. I wish to thank the family for the support given to Drumheller students with the scholarship. My daughter was honoured to receive this scholorship in 2005 and we both had the opportunity to meet and visit with Mr. Drumheller and were very happy we did.

Chris Ghesquiere

December 3, 2008

To the Drumheller family,

I was incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Drumheller. I was one of the 2005 recipients of the Drumheller Family Scholarship and because of the generosity of one man, and his family, I was able to attend University. I would not be where I am today without his help.

I was fortunate enough to meet with Mr Drumheller in the summmer following my first year. He seemed a very sincere and genuine man; in our talk he seemed very interested in what I was talking, my education and life goals and even in my general first year experiences.

Mr Drumheller was a great man and he will be missed. My thoughts will be with the family during this hard time.

Leah Johnson

December 2, 2008

To the Drumheller Family:

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Drumheller this week. As recipient of the Drumheller Family Scholarship in 2005, I have great respect and appreciation for Mr. Drumheller and his family. I feel as though my experiences and successes at the University of Victoria are, in part, as a result of the support I recieved from him. Without this scholarship, I would not be where I am today. As I approach the completion of my degree, I hope that my efforts in school, as well as in life, would have made him proud.

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Drumheller several years ago after completing my first year at the University of Victoria and found him to be genuinely interested and supportive of my study and career goals. From that visit, he will remain in my memory as a most sincere and generous man.

My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones at this time. Thank you so much Mr. Drumheller and family for your generosity and support of my future.

Caitlin Hummel

December 1, 2008

To the family of Jim Drumheller:

It saddened me very much to here about the passing of Mr. Drumheller. I was one of the privileged students from the Drumheller Composite High School to receive his generous scholarship. I now am finishing my 3rd year in the bachelor of arts in psychology degree program in Calgary and would not be here without his support. His scholarship allowed me to pursue my dreams, and receive an education.

When I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Drumheller after my graduation, he was everything I thought he would be. He was such a caring man, who was genuinely interested in helping others.

I plan to continue my education and hopefully attain my masters in psychology. I know that Mr. Drumheller helped pave the way for my degree and his memory will live with me through the rest of my education.

Rest in Peace.

Shannon Wade

December 1, 2008

To the family of James Drumheller

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Drumheller. My daughter Caitlin recieved a scholarship in 2006. How fortunate we were to have such a wonderful man and family to help us and so many others to further their education. Caitlin is in her third year and doing well. I am so thankful that we were able to meet Mr. Drumheller when Caitlin started at Mount Royal in Calgary.
You are in our thoughts and prayers

Lynn Hemming

December 1, 2008

Dear Members of the Family of Jim Drumheller,

It is with deep sadness that I read of the passing of Jim Drumheller. I regret that I did not know about his funeral until today or I would have attended the reception. My daughter is one of the many young people in Drumheller whose life has been blessed by the generosity of Mr. Drumheller. When Ashley graduated three years ago she had a deep desire to go to university and yet due to a difficult financial situation we had found ourselves in, we were not sure how this would be possible. Thanks to the very generous scholarship that was made possible by Mr. Drumheller and his sister, she is now in her final year of a three year Bachelor of Arts degree at Concordia College in Edmonton and has had honors throughout university.

There are countless other stories in this community that echo our own. In fact, I know of one recipient of this scholarship who now, herself, provides a scholarship for other students in this valley.

My daughter and I had the pleasure of coming to Calgary three years ago and had lunch with Mr. Drumheller in his home. My daughter found him to be very charming and they had many subjects to talk about. He was thrilled with her discussions of her involvement in her church and her desire to sing in the university choir. This spring she will attend her final concert performance and he asked her to "sing one for him someday." That she will do!

I can not tell you how grateful we are to Jim Drumheller for the kindness and support he has shown to our young people. His legacy surely lives on in the many lives he touched. On behalf of all the parents of the scholarship recipients, I want to say that we share in your loss of this very special man.

God Bless; you will be in our prayers.

Tom Zariski

December 1, 2008

On behalf of the students, staff and parents of Drumheller Composite High School I would like to express our condolences on the passing of Jim Drumheller. His vision of generously sponsoring children of Drumheller to attend post secondary education institutions was very much appreciated. His legacy will live on in the successful endeavours of the 30 students who have benefited from this generosity.

Penny Dekeyser

December 1, 2008

You will always live in our hearts and prayers. You've made such a big difference in so many young people's lives through your Drumheller Scholarship and the Drumheller fund. I was honorored to have known you.

Phyllis Brook Falkenstein

November 28, 2008

My sincere condolences to all the family. 'Uncle Jim' was a fine gentleman and I thought the world of him.

Lenni Werner-Schmidt

November 28, 2008

Remembering Uncle Jim,

Dear Elizabeth, Kathy, Jim and Leanne, my sincere condolences as you lay to rest a phenomenal man and father. I will always remember his handsome face, as he lit up the room with his smile. He smiled with his eyes and you knew all must be well with world.

As you endure this heartache, I know that you may find comfort in the knowledge that his life now will be eternal and glorious and he suffers no more.

Kathy, one more stop for us on our visitation rounds. Let's not forget the kleenex!

Love and Hugs All Around You,
Your Cousin, Lenni

Henriette Matthijssen

November 28, 2008

Passed Life's Earthly Stay

As Heaven's door's open wide,
To let James soul inside,
Loved one's are gathered near,
To welcome you in my 'Dear”.

In God's Heavenly home lies Happiness and Rest,
For the many years that you've always given your Best.
God's Love for us is Immortal,
And our soul's life is Eternal.

Your time on earth too long or too short a stay,
And your presence here at the Pearly gate today,
Indicates you have learned your lesson well,
My Heavenly Home is now yours to dwell.

Heartfelt Condolences to all the Family.

Toni Konschuh

November 28, 2008

To the Drumheller Family,

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Drumheller on various occasions when I worked at Weeks Law and found him to be a wonderful, pleasant man with great knowledge and stories. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Toni Konschuh

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November 23, 2017

Kathy Drumheller posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2008

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2008

Chelsey Merkel posted to the memorial.