Our Deepest Condolences

Frank Rodney James

July 26, 1932 – December 2, 2022

Rod passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Tudor Manor, Okotoks. We were so happy to have celebrated his 90th birthday this July with many family and friends. Rod is survived by one sister Marjorie, brother in law Herb, his three children Bob (Heather), Lorna (Cathy), Ann (Ron), stepdaughter Heather (Keith), stepson Rob (Barb), 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, plus a very large extended family. He was predeceased by grandson Randy.

Rodney had cattle, especially purebred cattle, in his blood from an early age. Improving Canada’s beef herds was paramount through his life. He was one of the first to bring Charolais from the States in 1958, (at the age of 26), was instrumental in bringing Charolais, Simmental and other breeds from Europe, started several beef breed magazines, set up a beef operation in Nova Scotia, and started Purebred Sales Management companies to market these new breeds. Charcan and later Transcon Livestock Corp. sales management companies and selling Simmental and Charolais, were the passion for most of his life. He was supported by his first wife Pearl through these endeavours. Then in 1985, in a major departure from the beef industry, Rod and second wife Mernie purchased the Ginger Tea Room on main street Okotoks. When there wasn’t a square inch in that building not filled with merchandise, and tea room area was too small, they decided they had to expand and built the new Ginger Room on Riverside Drive, moving in May of 1990. That business they ran until 2001.

The Ginger Room and land base became important in different ways. The back acre was sold and it and an adjoining parcel became the Heartland Retirement Complex where he resided after selling his house. The Ginger Room building was purchased by the Okotoks United Church and they built a beautiful sanctuary on the back where his service will be held.