James Merkoske June 1, 1950 - November 24, 2020

In loving memory of James (Jim) Keith Merkoske who passed away on November 24, 2020 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre with family at his side.

He was predeceased by his father James (Jake) Merkoske, mother Ethel Merkoske and  sister Nolaine Brommit. He is survived by his children Michelle LaRoche (Jeff) and Mark Merkoske (Jamie), granddaughter Megan LaRoche, sisters Ardith Booi, Karen Hayes (Merv), Elynne Tourond (Garry) and brother Evan Merkoske. Jim was very fond of his nephews Ron Booi, Jim Booi, Lucas Merkoske and Alex Merkoske as well as nieces Kathy Bressers, Kendra Hegadorn and Lindsay Davies.

Jim worked at many different jobs throughout his life, most of them involving truck driving in some capacity or another. In his younger days he headed west with good friend David McGogy to work on the oil rigs. He worked for a while in Red Lake mining gold at Campbell Mines. He didn’t really like the underground part but it sparked a lifelong interest in new mining prospects and gold strikes. His many trucking jobs included hauling cordwood to the mill in Dryden to hauling granite from the quarry down to Minnesota and Georgia. His favourite venture was when he used his Kenworth and picker trailer to haul wood for the smaller operators. He made many good friends along the way. He liked working for himself and started various businesses as well. He and (then wife) Linda started Junction Trailer Supply in Vermilion Bay providing supplies for trucks and bush operators. They also operated a small home based business in health and nutrition, another great interest of his. Later on he tried his hand at the restaurant business taking over the lease on the Traveler restaurant for a short time. He also dabbled in the stock market (mining stocks) and liked following the ups and downs of the market and attended mining shows when he could.  He was always busy, pursuing his interests, unafraid to take a risk.

After deciding to focus on his health a bit more, taking long walks became a favourite activity especially when his canine companion Dundee was with him.  He also enjoyed golfing with friend Phil and brother-in-law Garry. He spent many happy holidays around his mother’s kitchen table with his sisters and other family members playing cards and board games. He was a fan of the Ice Dogs and attended many games with friends. He liked a good cup of coffee and a good discussion (read: argument) even more. He liked to travel, whether for work or pleasure.

He loved his kids and was very proud of their achievements.

The last few years were very difficult for Jim. Due to his failing health he was forced to curtail many of his favourite activities. We know that he now walks pain free along a new pipeline with sweet Dundee by his side.

The family would like to thank Dr. Pettinger and Dr. Doiron, the nurses at DRHC and the Para Med staff for their compassionate care of Jim.

Very special thanks go out to Ron Booi and Larry Pelland for spending nights in the hospital with Jim, just so he wouldn’t be alone.