Obituary of Jim Jesberger

Jim Jesberger
September 2, 1945 – January 28, 2021

It is with the utmost sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Arthur Jesberger, a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend taken from us too soon following a quick decline due to Alzheimer’s.

Jim was born and raised in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Even as a young boy, Jim had a strong work ethic. Whether it was his two paper routes, or his oft-mentioned summers spent building silos and hoeing mint, he was the kind of guy who always needed to be busy and took great pride in all he did.

A lifelong learner, Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1968 and arrived in Saskatoon in 1969 to pursue graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan. There, in front of Marquis Hall, he met Wanda, the love of his life. They were married in 1971 and in 1983 welcomed twin daughters, his pride and joy.

Jim’s friendly demeanor suited him well in his career as a pharmacist. Work took him to many small towns around the province, where he quickly got to know those in the community. All who met him would comment on his talkative nature and unique sense of humour. Outside of work, Jim was an avid do-it-yourselfer and he could often be found working on projects around the house and yard, with his music blaring away. But life was not all work and Jim found plenty of time to enjoy hobbies such as golf and fishing, and continued picking up new interests such as kayaking and cross-country skiing as he moved into retirement.

Jim and Wanda’s travels often took them on road trips to the west coast to favorite destinations like Tofino. Later in life, they expanded their horizons, taking a number of trips to Europe; Jim wished he’d discovered sooner the enjoyment of watching the world go by from a Parisian café.  

He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him, but especially his wife of nearly 50 years, Wanda; daughter Amanda (Lucas) Storey and grandchildren Eva and Robby of Saskatoon; daughter Sarah Jesberger (Robyn Hemminger) of Calgary; sisters Delores Kreisler of Sun Prairie, WI and Sandy Jesberger of Plymouth, MN; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Jim was predeceased by his parents Art and Margaret Jesberger and younger brother Tom.  

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Sherbrooke Community Center for the care they provided to Jim in  his final year, made especially difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks those who knew him to raise a glass and think of a fond memory of or a special time shared with Jim. For those wishing to do so, donations can be made to The Sherbrooke Foundation Inc. or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

The family is planning a celebration of Jim’s life with good food and music that he would have enjoyed for when we can gather together again.