James Byron Marzolf

James (Jim) Marzolf passed away quietly on January 11, 2022 in Marathon, Ontario. Born May 15, 1954 in Central Butte, Saskatchewan, Jim grew up and worked on the family farm in the Thunder Creek area.

Predeceased by his father Ed Marzolf, Jim leaves his mother Dorothy, siblings Helen Marzolf (Tim Lilburn) of Victoria, Graham Marzolf (Shelley Muhle) of Central Butte, John Marzolf (Kathleen) of Edmonton, Vernon Marzolf of Saskatoon, Laurel Marzolf (Doug Burrill) of Wolseley, Donna Marzolf of Calgary, David Marzolf (Geri-Lynn) of Central Butte and Mitchell Marzolf (Niki Sokulski) of Central Butte/Edmonton, as well as nephews and nieces Maya Savage, Seth and Taylor Marzolf, Parker and Calsy Marzolf, Alexis and Sophia Livingston and many cousins. Jim's surviving aunts and uncles are Orval May, Irene Marzolf, Helen Lasota (all of Moose Jaw) and Gorda Seymour (Kelowna). Jim will be missed by Scott Galloway (Central Butte), Morley Longman (Thunder Bay), Don Herchen & Michelle Anthony, John & Carla Astle and fondly remembered by his many friends, neighbors, and former customers in Marathon. During his years in Marathon, the “The Plaza Boys” and Girls shared a vibrant social life and were Jim's stand-in family.

Jim graduated from Central Butte High School in 1972, and then the University of Saskatchewan (BSc Pharmacy) in 1976. Bourkes Pharmacy in Thunder Bay recruited him after graduation. Following that, he worked at Zellers and K-Mart Pharmacies. In 1985, Jim, Morley Longman and Alex Barr acquired the pharmacy in Marathon and operated it as Marathon Drug Associates, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2012. Jim has been described as an excellent pharmacist: he was patient and attentive to his customers and extremely accurate. Jim never shied away from taking a stand, whether it was advocating for fair remuneration for apprentice pharmacists or challenging anti-competitive corporate practices. He argued from deeply-researched facts. If that failed, he turned to the court of public opinion. Jim prevailed.

The rugged landscape around Marathon offered adventure. Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, occasional rock climbing (ok, once), and exploring. He was a voracious reader (exclusively non-fiction); he was the go-to person for facts on any scientific topic. He loved collecting stuff. Always open to opportunities for a good gab, Jim would often take a contrarian perspective for the fun of it. He was adept with all things mechanical, something he put to good use on the farm. Until a few years ago, Jim used to drive out to Saskatchewan for seeding and harvest and again at Christmas — he liked the long road trip and caught up with family news. He was supportive, kind, and loyal to his family, his profession, and his community. A person of many contradictions, Jim was a one-of-a-kind son, brother, uncle and friend who is remembered with affection.