On September 3, 2025, Jim Clease of Beaverlodge, AB, passed away peacefully at the age of 78. Although our hearts are hurting, we are grateful to have been blessed with the greatest husband, father, and grandpa.

Jim was born in Beaverlodge, AB, on March 11, 1947, the oldest of four children to Albert and Betty Clease. He was raised and lived in Beaverlodge until he moved to Edmonton, AB, to attend the University of Alberta for four years, earning his education degree. It was there that he met his future wife, Bernice Koester.

Jim and Bernice were married in her hometown of Rockyford, AB, in 1975. They moved to Grande Prairie, AB, where Jim taught at the Sexsmith School for two years, and welcomed their daughter Alison in June of 1977.

They later moved to Hythe, AB, where Jim taught at Hythe Regional Junior High, and in 1979 began building their family home outside of Beaverlodge. Their son Chad arrived in 1980, completing the family.

Jim loved his teaching career, but he was also an entrepreneur at heart. Over the years, he explored many ventures, including purchasing Lodge Propane from his brother-in-law, farming, working as a real estate broker, and many more. Eventually, Jim returned to his true calling—teaching—and went back to Hythe Junior High in the early 1990s, the position from which he later retired.

In 2007, Jim was in an accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. After many months of recovery and with Bernice’s care, Jim regained his strength. He spent his remaining years devoted to his grandchildren—Jade, Wyatt, Kerek, and Kinley—attending their activities, umpiring baseball games, and treasuring every moment with them.

Jim’s life was filled with the things he loved most: time outdoors, fishing, camping, boating, quadding, writing poems, going for A&W coffee, as well as countless hours with family and friends. He also had a keen interest in local politics, serving on the County Council for four years, and enjoyed conversations about current events. Jim and Bernice shared a love of travelling, especially their winters as snowbirds in the United States, as well as trips to Hawaii and Toronto, ON, with their children and families.

Those who knew Jim remember him as patient, easy-going, helpful, and even-keeled—a man of steady character, always willing to lend a hand.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife Bernice; daughter Alison (Mickey) Soucy and children Jade and Wyatt; son Chad (Desiree) Clease and children Kerek and Kinley; his sister Judy; brothers Darcy and Brian; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Betty Clease; in-laws, Ralph and Rose Koester; brother-in-law, Ken Young; and nephews, Jeff Kalbhen and Brent Melcher.

As per Jim’s wishes, a small family gathering will be held to honour his life.