James Andrew Ballegeer

James Andrew Ballegeer went home to God on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at his home in Beausejour after a hard, long struggle. He is now at peace and safe with God.

James was the youngest child of a family of seven, born to Lorne and Audrey (Wright) Ballegeer, on April 26, 1965. He was born with the disability of Downs Syndrome, and he carried his cross bravely. He was nourished by his family and strengthened by his community. He had a happy, fulfilling and productive life of 60 years.

Jim grew up on the family farm in Dugald, MB. He loved the barn cats, and the farm dog was his companion. He also had a healthy respect for the cows, but he made it his job to sweep the hay from the walls so that the cows could get it all to eat.

Jim graduated from H. L. Softley School in Norwood in 1985. He then gained employment at A.C.L. in Beausejour and was there for 40 years. Jim loved his work; it was his privilege to go to work every day. He made his workshop his second home and loved all his co-workers, friends, and staff. He had to reluctantly retire due to his failing health, just this past summer.

Jim also had the privilege of having a large extended family. He knew all his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was always included in all family occasions. His own immediate family cared for him and looked after him with pride. Although, he and his sister, Kathy, sometimes were at logger heads, as she had to get him on the school bus and we all know Jimmy only had his own speed. He was maybe a bit spoilt by all his “Little Mothers” but doing the right thing was always part of his upbringing.

Jim always loved to go Church. Even though his total understanding was limited, his love of God was real. He received all the sacraments and was the first to say before a meal, “We have to pray first.” Sunday Mass was very important, and he was very welcomed by his Church community at Sacred Heart in Garson, MB. Jim’s understanding of death was that the person was now “Happy with Jesus.” He is now in God’s care.

In 2002 he moved into his own home, Noonan House on Dale Ave. in Beausejour. He shared this house with 2 others and full time staff and went to work every day. His sisters always said Jim had more of a social life than they did. He was so privileged to attend many sporting events. Hockey (Jets of course), baseball, football games, uncountable birthday parties, and other social outings. He was involved with Special Olympics, especially bowling. He had a few awards and trophies to prove that fact. And camp, at least once a year, was a must. He learned to swim, canoe, and fish. And he really did not like curling, especially on T.V. He did like the Jets blanket given to him by Richard and Shirley. It was so worn and loved. Jim took great pride, in his very early years, in his bicycle which he pushed around the yard for many hours. Sadly, he never learned to ride it.

Jim loved to dance. You could always find him on the dance floor at his annual Christmas party, wearing his funny little Christmas hat, dancing with whomever was there. He always wanted to know that we, his birth family, were in attendance, but he would never sit with us. Instead, he always wanted to sit with his Noonan House family.

When COVID hit us, Jim was at a total loss as he could not understand why he could no longer go to work, Church or Sunday dinners with his family. This seemed, to us, to have been the beginning of his slow decline. Jim was always a very social person.

Jim lived with his parents on the farm for many years before moving into his own home. During that time, he was very faithfully driven back and forth by the Omichinski family. Thank you to all of them for a job well done. Thank you to Dr. Nick Van Rensburg for all the many years of excellent care given to Jim. A very special Thank You to the management and all the staff at Noonan House, who so lovingly and caringly looked after Jim, especially in these last few months of his end struggles. You all did more than a commendable job which we know was very hard. May God bless each of you for your extreme dedication.

James was predeceased by his father, Lorne Ballegeer and his brother-in-law Doug McDermot. Jim leaves his Mom, Audrey Ballegeer, his siblings: Joanne McDermot, Marilyn and Henry Van Dorp, David and Sharon Ballegeer, Richard and Shirley Ballegeer, Debbie and Ken Unick, Kathy and Keith Coumont. As well as several generations of nieces and nephews and their spouses as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves his God-father, Leon Ballegeer and his God-mother Peggy Jensen. Also, his two best buds Lloyd and Blaine and all his Noonan House staff.

Our Jimmy is now “Happy with Jesus.”

Pallbearers are: Glenn McDermot, Graham Moore, Michael Ballegeer, Parker McDermot, Alan Van Dorp and Brian Unick. Honorary pallbearers: are Neil Babisky, Chris Babisky, Mark Van Dorp, and all of Jim’s friends from A.C.L. The cross bearer is Keith Ballegeer.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday December 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary RC Church at 530 Atlantic Ave in Beausejour, MB. Interment in St. Mary cemetery. Lunch will be held in the Brokenhead Room at the Brokenhead River Community Hall – 320 Veterans Lane, Beausejour.

Thank you for coming and for all your cards and support. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Association for Community Living (A.C.L.), Box 1015, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0. Thank you to Sobering Funeral Chapel.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com