Obituary of James McVittie
The family of James McVittie of Melville, formerly of Thompson, MB. and Saskatoon, SK., sadly announce his passing on June 30, 2026.
A gathering to Celebrate Jame's Life will take place on August 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from the Saskatoon Shrine Club,1021 Saskatchewan Cres. W, Saskatoon, SK.
James Craig McVittie was born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories on August 16, 1957, and passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2026 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
James’ family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan when he was 8, where he attended Brevoort Park Elementary School and Walter Murray Collegiate Institute (high school). After graduating Grade 12 in 1975, he worked in Saskatoon and other western Canadian communities in housing construction and carpentry. He also drove taxi in Saskatoon and moved to Thompson, Manitoba in the mid 1990’s, where he continued driving and dispatching taxis.
James was a thoughtful and very sensitive person, always concerned more about others than he was about himself. The old expression “he would give you the shirt off his back” was literally true about him, even if it was his last shirt. He often tailored his own interests and activities around the interests of friends and partners close to him at the time. As his life proceeded, he became more interested in history, spirituality and sports – especially hockey, and especially the Winnipeg Jets. In the summer he loved to golf (a pasttime both of his parents had loved immensely) and had recently started trying to play as many courses in Saskatchewan as he could. He was also enthusiastic about computer golf.
He retired to Melville, Saskatchewan in his “golden years” due to Melville being quiet, peaceful, neighbourly (caring, like him) and affordable.
Predeceased by: Mother Elizabeth “Betty” McVittie (nee Carpenter) and Father George Alma McVittie, as well as uncles, aunts, a few cousins and friends.
He will be remembered and missed most by:
Daughter Jenny Kovacevich, son-in-law Justin “Spike” Kovacevich and grandson Cassian Kovacevich (who knew him as “Grandpa Hockey").
Sisters: Barbara Van der Linden (Jos) and Janet McVittie
Brothers: George Alexander “Sandy” McVittie (Nona) and Grant McVittie (Renee Kastrukoff/Gamblin)
Nieces and Nephews: Michael, Jeffrey, Tobin, Stephen, Christopher, Clayton, Stephanie, Nicole, Jennifer, Erin, Natalie, Meaghan and Craig
And his dog, Hunter
Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in his honour would be greatly appreciated.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society as gifts of remembrance.
