top of page

James Foord

Image by Nick Andréka

JAMES STEPHEN FOORD

May 15, 1960 – March 8, 2024

James Stephen Foord, born on May 15, 1960, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, passed away on March 8, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.


James spent his early years in Flin Flon before relocating to Snow Lake in 1963. He completed his K-12 education at Joseph H. Kerr School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. A proud moment in his youth was representing Manitoba as the team Captain in the 1977 Canada Summer Games, showcasing his talent in rifle shooting.


During his time at Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston, Saskatchewan, James met the love of his life, Gwendolyn, whom he married on November 6, 1982. After graduating with his Pastoral Diploma in 1984, James and Gwen returned to Snow Lake, where they raised their three children, Jonathan, Samara, and Stephen, while actively participating in the Snow Lake Christian Center and Simonhouse Bible Camp.


James' faith was central to his life. He found strength, purpose, and guidance through his relationship with God, which he shared passionately with others.


While working in various capacities in the mines of Snow Lake and Flin Flon until 2005, James remained steadfast in his faith, drawing on it as a source of resilience during challenging times. His faith continued to guide him as he and Gwen relocated to Winnipeg in 2005. James first found new work as a car salesman and then joined Gwen at CEF Canada, spreading the message of God's love and grace to children and families across the world. During this time James and Gwen were active members of Riverwood Church, specifically the Firehall where James' boisterous laugh and singing voice will be truly missed.


James was a man of many passions and talents. He enjoyed fishing, playing games, and sharing stories with friends and family. An avid cribbage player, he boasted of three - 29 hands and took great joy in spending time with his eight grandchildren.


James is survived by his beloved wife Gwen Foord; his children, Jonathan (Amanda), Samara (Steffan) Fields, and Stephen (Sherry); his grandchildren, Selah, Elise, Liam, Benjamin, Zoe, Hazel, Remington, and Autumn; his brother, Greg (Val); and extended family. He is now reunited with his parents, Benjamin and Julianna Foord; and niece Rebekah Friesen.


The Foord Family expresses heartfelt gratitude to everyone who walked alongside us and provided unwavering support throughout James' battle with cancer over the past year, as well as during other family medical emergencies. We extend a profound thank you to the compassionate staff at HSC GD6, who acted as heaven-sent angels, caring for Dad during these challenging months.


A celebration of James' life will be held at 1pm on March 23 at Riverwood Church: The Warehouse (270 Gordon Avenue).


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CEF Canada or HSC Foundation (specifically GD6 Hope Project) in James' honour.


James' legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he may be gone from our sight, his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.


James’ family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

24 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Andrea

May 9, 2024 at 4:02 PM

my condolences

Dan & Mary

May 9, 2024 at 3:54 PM

Condolences to you Gwen and  your family. Praying that you will be filled with the comfort only God can give. Our hearts grieve with yours and rejoice with heaven's angels for James coming home.

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 3:54 PM

James you won't be forgotten.  I will always remember those awesome times at Simonhouse Bible Camp we all shared. The pudding fight, your partner Slave Dave, your smile and your singing!

You made the world a brighter place. Now heaven will be rejoicing with you. Thank you

Margie Harris

May 9, 2024 at 3:54 PM

Rest in Peace James .    From an old Snow Laker.    Hugs to you Gwen

Toni

May 9, 2024 at 3:54 PM

May the Lord bring great comfort to the Foord family, and much love to Gwen.

Wayne

May 9, 2024 at 3:50 PM

I have known James for a long time meeting him at work at the Ford dealership. He was the most friendliest person and he was a pleasure to work with and also socialize with outside of work. His laugh was contagious and brightened everyone’s day. We enjoyed both him and Gwen and had lots of occasions outside of work. James will be missed by all people that he touched.

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 3:39 PM

Please accept our sincere condolences dear sister Gwen and her family. May you receive from God the consolation you need to get through this ordeal. With all my heart with you in prayer. AEE-CEF Guadeloupe (FWI)

Camelda

May 9, 2024 at 3:38 PM

My  condolences to Gwen and family, will continue to keep you in prayer.

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 3:38 PM

My condolences to Gwen and the family,

Bill & Marilyn Lennox

May 9, 2024 at 3:37 PM

James was such a kind and caring brother! We spent many happy days together with him and his family at Simonhouse Bible Camp with James as our enthusiastic worship leader. You will be greatly missed but look forward to meeting again in glory!


"There's a blessed blessed time a comin, comin soon..."

The Abromovich Family

May 9, 2024 at 3:37 PM

James is one of the best men our  family has known.we will always remember our fishing trips and his beautiful strong voice as he sang an we  trolled to catch the big one.Condolences to you Gwen and family.

Sheron Knight

May 9, 2024 at 3:37 PM

My dear Sis Gwen, may you and your family experience God's continual Strength and Grace.  He is with you . Be assured of the prayers of the CEF family in Barbados.

Yolanda de Palm

May 9, 2024 at 3:36 PM

Condolences to you Gwen, may our Lord give you peace during this difficult period.

Maria Aiello

May 9, 2024 at 3:36 PM

My condolences to Gwen and the family. This has been a very difficult journey for all of you and I know James will be missed.

I have fond memories of his ‘teddy bear hugs’ and his beautiful voice praising God in song. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Brenda Spearman

May 9, 2024 at 3:36 PM

My Condolences to Gwen and the Family.  I feel blessed to have known James. He was a great man that always had a welcoming smile and a big heart.  You will be miss James Foord.

Norma

May 9, 2024 at 3:35 PM

Condolences to you Gwen and Family. James and I worked together at the Dealership and each day I arrived at work there was James with that infectious smile always to greet you.  James will truly be missed by everyone. RIP James

Bryce Schellenberg

May 9, 2024 at 3:34 PM

Condolences to all Family and Friends

Art

May 9, 2024 at 3:34 PM

James and I had a chance to work together at CEF and he was always ready to lend a helping hand, a word of encouragement and a prayer.  He had a great memory and was a great story teller. And if I needed a good place to take someone for dinner James always had a suggestion for places all over the city. He also knew a thing or two about cars and knew I should trade mine in.


I was definitely the better for knowing him. You are missed.

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 3:34 PM

I got know James and Gwen because they were so good to my mother the world needs more people like them Rest In Peace James

Terry & Petronella Farnum

May 9, 2024 at 3:32 PM

Condolences to Gwen and Family. Our prayers are with you.

Susan Larkin (nee Bartley)

May 9, 2024 at 3:32 PM

I am a cousin of Gwen's and unfortunately only met James on a couple of family goodbyes to other loved ones that had passed.. Our family quickly fell in love with him and his kindness, warm heart, and shining presence came through upon first site.  Much love to Gwen and her family.

Camille & Lori Meuse

May 9, 2024 at 3:31 PM

James and I worked together at HBm&S in Snow Lake for about 2 years 1985/1986. He was a good guy to work with. We recently reconnected in the last 2 to 3 years. James will be missed.



Condolences to Gwen and family

Wendy Frejuk

May 9, 2024 at 3:30 PM

James saved the day. by being Santa at my nursery school years ago when my husband fell ill and couldn't do it. I will never forget the looks on the children 's faces as they whispered to each other 


"That's the REAL one! Look at him!" They were so excited!


He really did make the best Santa ever.


Thanks my friend-we had many good times with you and Gwen and I will miss you and your smiling face.♥️♥️

Leonard & Marvella Tower

May 9, 2024 at 3:30 PM

When your heart is sad and heavy....May sweet memories give it wings.

Blessings to you and your family Gwen as you all walk through your grief. R.I.P. James you will be missed by many.

bottom of page