Obituary for James Henry Albrecht
James Henry Albrecht of Walkerton, passed away on Wednesday October 13, 2021 at South Bruce Grey Health Centre at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Joy, father to Jim (Stephanie) of Walkerton and Jodi of Kitchener. Jim was also the proud grandpa to Melissa (Mike Smith) and Natalie. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Mary (nee Wraith) Albrecht.
Jim was diagnosed with leukemia in the summer of 2020 and like everything he did in his life, he faced his battle with strength and fought hard to the very end. In his final days, Jim was surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.
Jim is well known as someone who both worked hard and played hard. He loved playing sports and travelling.
While a traditional classroom was not his favourite place, Jim was a wise man who was always thinking and constantly learning. There is evidence of this in all he created. Jim was an entrepreneur most of his life. In the early days he worked at the Smoke Shop at The Hartley Hotel mornings and nights. During the day he drove the Walkerton Nut Company truck for Tubby and Lorne Schmaltz. Soon after he began his own small sundries business selling to general stores in Bruce and Grey counties. He also found time to work as a bouncer at the Sauble Beach Pavilion for summer dances along with his friend, Jim Buehlow. The Jims decided that the summer dance business was great fun and so they decided to run their own dances. They hired bands and ran dances at the Royal T in Wingham, the Legion in Durham, and at the Walkerton Town Hall. They both enjoyed the dance business so much that they bought the Cedar Crescent Casino in Port Elgin and the Pavilion in Kincardine. They hosted famous bands including the Stampeders, Copper Penny and Major Hooples Boarding House, and Tommy Hunter. Those along with some local favourites, Dave Schmidt and the Walkerton Boys, rocked the summer nights at the beach. Long weekends will be remembered by many who attended and those who worked at the dances. Jim still felt he had time to spare and so he worked some shifts at the Walkerton Jail.
Jim might be best known for his business, Joy Sportswear which he named after the love of his life, Joy. In 1962, he started out by selling trophies and team uniforms. The business quickly grew into selling hard and soft goods and eventually a large retail store in downtown Walkerton. He was a proud member of the Source for Sports community.
Eventually Jim turned his eye toward a partial retirement. His cottage at Cape Croker was a spot that both Jim and Joy truly enjoyed. They spent many weekends there relaxing, gazing at the stars and reminiscing about the beautiful life they shared together. The cottage will always be a special place for the entire family.
We miss him so much every single minute of every single day. We know he is watching over us from Heaven with that sweet smile. We love you. Xo
Cremation has taken place and as per Jim’s wishes and there will only be a private family service. Jim’s family looks forward to a celebration of life at a later date in the Spring of 2022.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Walkerton and District Hospital Foundation (or another charity of your choice), would be appreciated by the family. Cards available at Cameron’s in Walkerton (519-881-1273). Donations and condolences may also be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com.
Jim was diagnosed with leukemia in the summer of 2020 and like everything he did in his life, he faced his battle with strength and fought hard to the very end. In his final days, Jim was surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.
Jim is well known as someone who both worked hard and played hard. He loved playing sports and travelling.
While a traditional classroom was not his favourite place, Jim was a wise man who was always thinking and constantly learning. There is evidence of this in all he created. Jim was an entrepreneur most of his life. In the early days he worked at the Smoke Shop at The Hartley Hotel mornings and nights. During the day he drove the Walkerton Nut Company truck for Tubby and Lorne Schmaltz. Soon after he began his own small sundries business selling to general stores in Bruce and Grey counties. He also found time to work as a bouncer at the Sauble Beach Pavilion for summer dances along with his friend, Jim Buehlow. The Jims decided that the summer dance business was great fun and so they decided to run their own dances. They hired bands and ran dances at the Royal T in Wingham, the Legion in Durham, and at the Walkerton Town Hall. They both enjoyed the dance business so much that they bought the Cedar Crescent Casino in Port Elgin and the Pavilion in Kincardine. They hosted famous bands including the Stampeders, Copper Penny and Major Hooples Boarding House, and Tommy Hunter. Those along with some local favourites, Dave Schmidt and the Walkerton Boys, rocked the summer nights at the beach. Long weekends will be remembered by many who attended and those who worked at the dances. Jim still felt he had time to spare and so he worked some shifts at the Walkerton Jail.
Jim might be best known for his business, Joy Sportswear which he named after the love of his life, Joy. In 1962, he started out by selling trophies and team uniforms. The business quickly grew into selling hard and soft goods and eventually a large retail store in downtown Walkerton. He was a proud member of the Source for Sports community.
Eventually Jim turned his eye toward a partial retirement. His cottage at Cape Croker was a spot that both Jim and Joy truly enjoyed. They spent many weekends there relaxing, gazing at the stars and reminiscing about the beautiful life they shared together. The cottage will always be a special place for the entire family.
We miss him so much every single minute of every single day. We know he is watching over us from Heaven with that sweet smile. We love you. Xo
Cremation has taken place and as per Jim’s wishes and there will only be a private family service. Jim’s family looks forward to a celebration of life at a later date in the Spring of 2022.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Walkerton and District Hospital Foundation (or another charity of your choice), would be appreciated by the family. Cards available at Cameron’s in Walkerton (519-881-1273). Donations and condolences may also be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com.