John (Jim) James Yurkowski

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John (Jim) James Yurkowski, who left us unexpectedly yet peacefully at his home in Berwyn, Alberta, on February 11, 2026, at the age of 79, in the company of a good friend.

John was a complex man who found contentment in a minimalist life. Having lived nearly his entire life in Keg River, Alberta—a remote northern community—he embraced a simple way of living. He enjoyed watching sports, especially boxing, MMA, and baseball, and if there was a good match on, that’s where you would find him. He had a special place in his heart for animals, particularly his dogs, and was always ready to reminisce about the “good old days” over a cup of tea or coffee with anyone who shared common ground.

A true northern outdoorsman, John was passionate about fishing, hunting, and trapping. He would gladly tell you how skilled he was at all three—and in his version of the story, he was usually the best. He will be remembered for sharpening knives until they could split a hair, tending his traplines, skinning lynx, and stretching beaver pelts with precision. If something was broken, he could fix it. If it couldn’t be fixed, he would find a way to make it work anyway.

A mid-life workplace injury that left him without fingers on his left hand was a significant setback, but it never diminished his independence or resilience. He adapted, persevered, and continued living life on his own terms.

John did not require much to be content. He stayed close to home unless work, appointments, or visits with his children called him away. His children could count on his Sunday phone calls—though as the years passed, “Sunday” became more of a suggestion. The phone might ring at 7 a.m. or 9 p.m., prompted by world events, community news, or simply because he felt like having a chat.

Though he lived much of his life independently, he valued connection more than he might have admitted. With his charm, stubborn streak, and strong opinions, he could sometimes make it challenging to love him—but he was loved nonetheless.

He was the son of the late John and Maybelle (Gladue) Yurkowski and was predeceased by his sister, Alma Joyce Yurkowski. He leaves behind his children, Terri Yurkowski Hebert and Frank Yurkowski; his sisters, Alice (Lawrence Budney) and Lily (Alan McMillan); his grandsons, Reine, Forest, and Jonah; and his nieces and nephews, Cory, Dawn, Nicole, Chad, and Orleana.

He will be remembered for his stories, his resilience, his unwavering confidence in his abilities, and those faithfully unpredictable Sunday calls.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Keg River Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on July 5, 2026.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck)
Peace River, 780-624-1010

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