Jack was born on May 17, 1931 on the family farm, the 7^th child born to Sam and Victoria.  A lifelong grain and cattle farmer, he was honoured to be presented with the Century Family Farm Award in 2013.  He was still driving tractor at the age of 94 and tilled his garden for the last time this past spring.

Farming was not his only occupation. Dad often told stories of searching and digging for oil, minerals and deposits throughout western Canada. His explorations took him from Fort McMurray to Meadow Lake to Esterhazy and Thompson and other locations.

He started his career as a school bus driver at the request of the community when the one room schools were being phased out.  This career spanned many decades and resulted in Mom and Curtis and Trevis also learning to drive school bus. This job meant great responsibility – if you were not dressed for the weather, you were not allowed on his bus until you were wearing the proper clothes.

Dad was a lifelong sports enthusiast.  He was a member of the Gronlid Royals fastball team playing first base. We still meet people who remember playing against Dad and the team at various sporting day events.

He was a provincial winning hockey coach, Bantam division. The fact that he rarely put on skates to coach hockey didn’t interfere with his ability to lead his players and share his love of the game.

In his later years, many afternoons were enjoyed watching Toronto Blue Jays baseball games.  Dad never raised his voice with his children or grandchildren but a missed call by the umpire against the Blue Jays could raise his blood pressure!

Dad married Carol Miazga on July 13, 1963.  A daughter and 4 sons were born between 1964 and 1972.

Like many other families, farm life was built around the seasons and the weather.  Dad was patient in teaching us about caring for the land, the raising of animals, the maintenance of machinery plus all the other pieces to farm living.

Dad’s special talent was knowing the strengths of each of his children – and how to use this to his advantage.  This became important as farming evolved from a       lifestyle he was used to into a business that he felt unprepared for.

He had a short time to share with Mom in the joys of welcoming new people to the family including daughters-in-law and one granddaughter.

After Mom’s passing in 1999, dad embarked on a journey of many new learnings.  He accepted the challenges of life without her.  This wasn’t easy for him but he taught us grace and compassion as we watched him create the next phase of his life.

Before too long, he was welcoming additional daughters-in-law and 9 more grandchildren into his heart.

Dad lived a life of service to his family, church and community. He was looking    forward to spending more time as Dido.

His final days were spent with family, friends and neighbours and special visits with his puppy Raz.

We remember him as a father and Dido who was soft spoken but with words that made you listen and pay attention.  He had an interest in everything and everyone around him.  We will miss his big heart and his quiet ways and how his calm, steady voice was always accompanied by a twinkle in his eye and a soft smile.

Jacob is survived by:

Daughter: Jackie;

Sons: Curtis

Joshua and Mckenzie

Connie (Josh’s mother)

Jessica and Billy and William (Josh’s sister and family)

Trevis and Debbie

Quinn and Hunter, Parker and Tayelyn

Mark and Kerry

     Shae, Alli and Briar

Dean and Nicole

Vincent, Anna and Noah;

Siblings: Madeline Danyluk, Michael Sturby

Jacob was predeceased by:

wife Carol

parents: Sam and Victoria

brothers: Peter, Joseph

sisters: Mary, Katherine, Anne, Veronica, Lecia

several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM at Fedusiak Funeral Chapel, Melfort, SK

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Franko), Gronlid, SK

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Franko), Gronlid, SK

Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so by visiting the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chape & Crematorium Ltd., Melfort, SK  (306)752-3838

• Date : 2026-07-11
• Location : Melfort, SK