CRIGER, JAMES (JIM) EDWARD
February 25, 1941 - January 19, 2017
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Criger, on January 19, 2017, at the Drumheller Regional Hospital. Jim is survived by his wife, Myrtle Criger, who is the love of his life, best friend, and favorite nurse. Also survived by his 4 daughters, Debbie (Colin) Gibbs, Cindy (John) Davies, Karen (Tim) Criger, Shannon (Carl) Palomaki; his brother John (Linda) Criger; 6 grandchildren Jeremy (Kayla) Siddon, Austin Gibbs, Chrisanna Gibbs, Matthew (Eliz) Davies, Raschel Davies, Kale Palomaki; 2 great grandsons, Sean and Jayson Davies; brother and sister in-law Robert (Saundra) Olsen, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was born in Livingston, Montana. He was predeceased by his loving parents Phil Criger and Hazel Reed. In grade 8, he met the love of his life, Myrtle, and they married in 1962, celebrating 54 years of marriage this past November. In January 1968, Jim graduated from Montana State University (MSU) with his teaching degree – much to the astonishment of his own teachers growing up. Jim enjoyed executing many school pranks in his younger years. Jim was offered his first teaching position at Drumheller Composite High School. His idea was a six-month adventure. Well, he loved Drumheller, loved the students, and they loved him. The Criger family firmly planted their roots and never looked back. Jim taught for five years to 1973, served as Vice Principal for the next 17 years, was the Acting Principal for 6 months, and in 1991 assumed the position of Principal for five years before retiring from the school hallways in June 1996. During summers off, Jim went back to school and obtained his Master’s Degree from MSU. If you ever had the chance to be in Jim’s presence, a good or bad situation, you would find a caring, kind, and accepting individual who would make a joke to lighten the mood. His strong first aid skills often assisted others as he tended to the many drivers that missed the corner close to his Newcastle home, or taped ankles on the basketball court. He lived to improve his golf game, bowling scores and basketball skills by playing, refereeing or coaching. Outdoors was his playground whether fishing, hunting, gardening or camping. He also enjoyed playing bridge and other card games. He loved his family time and living life. Just to clarify, the woody woodpecker flew into his arm during his army training and stayed there. That is how he got his tattoo! Jim is already missed. As all great leaders who are lost to us, a void has been created in his passing. As a fabulous Husband, Dad, Papa, friend, and a great teacher, his legacy will continue. The family gives thanks to all those who assisted his quality of life at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Drumheller Regional Hospital. Also, thank you to the many family and friends who have supported all of us during this challenging journey. If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (albertacancer.ca) or to the Drumheller and Area Health Foundation (drumhellerhealthfoundation.com). A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held Friday, January 27, 2017 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., at the Badlands Community Facility, 2nd floor, 80 Veterans Way, Drumheller. AB. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.
