James GREER

GREER, James (Jim) Eugene October 10, 1952 - June 16, 2018 Jim was a teacher at his core. Whether as husband, father, son, brother, mentor, or friend, Jim always identified and supported the strengths in others - as great teachers always do - and inspired all whom he met to find and strengthen the very best in themselves. Jim met his wife, Marianne (Komarnicki) Greer, when they were students at the University of Saskatchewan in 1971. They were a team, creating and sharing hopes, dreams, and projects. Together they travelled and enjoyed all that life has to offer. They became a "pair o' docs" earning Ph.D's in 1986-7, raised two thoughtful and curious children (Phil Greer and Erin Greer DeLathouwer), mentored their children's significant others (including Sheena [Miller] Greer), and supported the development of six uniquely talented grandchildren (Ada and James DeLathouwer; Theo Summach; Ivy, Paul, and Clark Kish Greer). Jim is survived by his mother (Catherine "Katie" [Schmidt] Greer), four sisters (Sheila [Larry] Eskdale, Darlene [Joe] Nast, Rena [Don] Mazer, and Catherine [Luther Poier] Greer), brother (Ken [Karen] Greer), mother-in-law Ollie Komarnicki, sisters-in-law (Rosellyn [Blaine] Wickerson, Sheri [Duane] Christie, Sister Bonnie), nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts, colleagues, students, and friends. Jim was predeceased by his father, Maurice (Bud) Greer and father-in-law, Mike Komarnicki. Jim has served the U of S over three decades, as a professor of Computational Science and administrative advocate for the practice and scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education. Jim was recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for his scholarly contributions. His legacy and spirit will live on. On Saturday June 16, 2018, Jim passed suddenly, but peacefully, in an instant, despite a flurry of protest around him. We are particularly grateful to passers-by, including Aliona Bocancea, for attempting to save a stranger's life. We are also very grateful for the efforts of the first responders from the Saskatoon Fire Dept (Station 2, Shift 4), the care of Dr. Barry Rieder and the St. Paul's Hospital Emergency Staff; the SPH Co-Pastor, Father Richard and Sister Bonnie for assisting in Jim's transition from this life. Many thanks for the enormous embrace of love, support, kind thoughts, and prayers from around the world. We will all miss Jim profoundly. Please join us in Saskatoon to celebrate Jim's life in a prayer service on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Park Funeral Chapel, and Divine Liturgy on Thursday, 21 June 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Chapel (Fr. André Lalach), followed by a reception at STM's Choices. In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a donation to the James E. Greer Teaching, Learning, and Technology Graduate Student Memorial Fund, you may submit your contribution to the University of Saskatchewan, sent to Trina Mortson, University Relations, 110 Science Pl. G15 Thorvaldson Building, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C9. Eternal memory. To share memories and condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca "Obituaries-Guestbook". Arrangements entrusted to Greg Lalach, Park Funeral Home, 306.244.2103.