Obituary of Jim Holmberg
James "Jim" Sparre Holmberg
(October 30, 1930 - February 19, 2024)
James Sparre Holmberg of Camrose, AB, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at the age of 93 years. Jim was born October 30, 1930 in Bawlf. At the age of three they moved to the farm near Rosalind. He completed all of his schooling at Rosalind School with many stories of traveling muddy roads, strong winds blowing in all directions, and cold winter storms.
Jim’s first introduction to music was listening to his older sister Ellen practice classical music on the piano. He always left the house when she played because classical music was not his passion. As Jim got older, he attended Saturday night dances, igniting his passion for music, especially the saxophone. Farming became his way of life after his dad’s health failed and he took over the family farm. Jim harvested 60 crops and endured many obstacles along the way, as many farmers do.
In 1954, Jim met the love of his life, Nora (Haukedal) on a blind date which consisted of taking in the movie “Farmer Takes A Wife”. They were married on July 28, 1954. She was Jim’s biggest love. Every morning, he would bring her coffee in bed complete with sugar cubes, followed up with chores and a game of crib. If a special song aired on the radio, they would drop everything and dance in the kitchen.
Family came first, which started with Dave, then Allan, Jeff, and Sandy. Jim felt it was very important to be involved in the community playing major roles in the Alberta Wheat Pool, Unifarm, the United Church, and many others. At the age of 19, Jim learned to play the saxophone and joined the Daysland Elk’s Band. His love for dancing started the process of his musical journey, playing for dances and all kinds of celebrations. After many great years of farming Nora and Jim retired and moved to Camrose in 2010. After Nora’s passing, August 25, 2011, Jim still played music but with a broken heart. He entertained in several senior homes throughout Camrose during this time.
Jim was fortunate enough to find love a second time with Leone Fortier from Saskatchewan. They were married January 11, 2014 and resided in Camrose until Jim’s passing. For many years they filled their days with coffee, friendships, and music.
Jim will be greatly missed by his wife of 10 years, Leone; sons Dave (Barb) Holmberg, Al (Karen) Holmberg, and Jeff (Jill) Holmberg; daughter Sandy (Neal) Roth; grandchildren Tanner (Amanda) Holmberg, Brett (Kayla) Holmberg, Greg (Nicki) Holmberg, Mitch Holmberg, Emily (Darcy) Wold, Kevin (Kate) Roth, Lyndon Holmberg, and Elin Holmberg; great-grandchildren Isabel, Adam, Ryker, Kolby, Jude, Gavin, Anna, and Carter; and many friends that brought much laughter and joy to his life.
Jim was predeceased by his grandson Tyler Holmberg in 2001; his loving wife Nora in 2011; his older brother Brant Holmberg; and older sister Ellen Mayo.
“The song has ended, but the melody lingers on” by Irving Berlin
A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the CityLights Church, 4920 48 Street Camrose officiated by the Rev. Ted Wigglesworth. The service was live-streamed and the recording can be viewed at following link: CityLights Church .
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's memory are gratefully accepted to The Jim and Nora Holmberg scholarship in music at the University of Alberta - Augustana Campus.
