James Kubota
James Kubota, 91 of Cochrane passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family and friends December 7, 2022.
Jim was born on a Homestead in Milk River District to Takayuki Kubota and Anne (née Seidle), the oldest of five children. The Homestead years south of Raymond were full pioneer conditions. Carried water. No amenities. Coal was hauled from Lethbridge, meals came from the crops and livestock raised on the farm.
Hard work, dedication and commitment were no stranger to Jim's earlier years. Jim learned production from his Mom when she taught him and his brother how to press and wrap butter at an early age. The resulting pounds of butter would then be bartered after a horse ride to town. Jim’s farming skills learned from his Dad began as soon as he could reach the controls of the Caterpillar Tractor with his young arms. His characteristic powerful shoulders must have started to develop then. All farms have plenty to do along with regular chores, fences to be fixed, fields to be worked. This work ethic was a foundation he carried with him throughout his life. As an early youth the growing family moved to Raymond while continuing to farm the land. Jim was a King Scout, he served a mission in Japan for more than two years. While there he met Uncles, found the Kubota farm outside Hiroshima, hiked mount Fuji, and saw the devastation from the Hiroshima bombing years earlier. His early and lifelong interest in photography blossomed in Japan.
While visiting his mother Anne in Toronto, Jim met his wife to be Linda. James and Linda (Barter) were married in 1959 and settled on the Coaldale farm where they had three children, Tammy, Bradly and Calla. In 1965 they sold everything and moved to Ontario, where a fourth child Scott, was born. Jim worked as a welder, machinist for four years before getting a job at IBM. Jim’s career at IBM culminated in the Toronto Headquarters model shop. There he worked with a highly skilled team that built the unique items assigned them. Master welder, Machinist, Tool and Die, Superb sheet metal worker, and more than capable hydraulic and electrical skills were all used.
Jim was passionate about many things he did. While a Professional Wedding Photographer for 17 years he attended hundreds of weddings. He could arguably out dance most of his offspring. He was a very accomplished windsurfer in the early days of the sport. Jim and his son Brad shared many memories on the water. The artistic designs and musical gifts he shared with his daughters, Tammy and Calla, the wood working was a common ground between him and Scott.
After retiring Jim returned to Alberta, eventually residing in Cochrane. His crafts in multiple mediums, wood, rock and metal reside in homes and businesses throughout the area. Jim and companion Nila, enjoyed dancing, art, golf and drives in the mountains. Jim was loved and admired by all who knew him. Often referred to as the “best neighbor”, the “fence conversations” were many and memorable.
Jim is survived by his brother Richard; children, Tammy (Larry), Brad, Calla (James), Scott (Rena); grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica, Trina, Brock, Coryl, Derek, Bradly, Carissa, Paige and Connor; six great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Jim was predeceased by brothers Edward and Ron, sister Edna, niece Marnie, grandsons Kirk and Conner and a great-grandchild Gabriella.
Jim’s gentleness and kind heart provided cherished memories to those who knew him. Happy trails James until we meet again.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
Condolences and messages may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneral.com
