CARLSON
James (Jim)
Courtney
December 12, 1940 - January 21, 2022
Jim passed away peacefully in Innisfail on January 21, 2022.
In Jim’s words: “I was born in Stettler, Alberta in 1940 and I was raised on a farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse. (Stewartwyn). After leaving school, I did a carpentry apprenticeship and spent most of my working life in construction-related occupations. I lived in various places in B.C. but moved permanently to Drumheller in 1998 and began painting seriously.”
Jim lived a great big life. For decades he called the Queen Charlotte Islands home. Working in construction, a professional scuba diver working underwater pipelines and an auxiliary RCMP member. For over 20 years he ran a halfway house in Powell River, working with people who were mandated to be there but often didn’t want help or were struggling with finding their path back into society.
As a founding member of the Badlands Art Gallery, Jim’s art and relationships with other artists became a significant part of his life. His passion for art was not just about his own work but fostering an environment for both serious and future artists to flourish. Jim’s art is a part of the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat, AB and has travelled Alberta with the Trex Art Exhibition.
He humbly provided help to people in need; by contributing to local causes, lending an ear, or being a shoulder to cry on. You were sure to get Jim’s advice. Jim’s rehabilitation work saw him pick up countless people, dust them off and provide tools to put themselves back together. Jim’s love of bad jokes and making you think “I can’t believe you just said that” made every visit an adventure.
Jim is predeceased by his parents Courtney Carlson, Anna Margaret Wuest and stepmother Phyllis Carlson. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one brother, Brian and sisters Jane and Noreene. He leaves behind many friends who thought of him as family.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Badlands Art Gallery in Drumheller AB.
