A time to remember, tell stories, and mark the death of The Rev’d Jim Draper

Following a struggle with cancer, The Rev’d Jim Draper died on September 10, 2025. Though he had not lived in Winnipeg for a good many years, his impact on many people in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land was profound.

During his forty years of active ministry, Jim served widely in the church both in Canada and in the Soloman Islands. In Rupert’s Land he served first as the Dean of the Theology at St John’s College, and as Interim priest at both St. Mark’s and St. Bartholomew’s in Winnipeg. His longest stretch of ministry in our diocese was at All Saints Church, Winnipeg, where he ministered from 1998 until his retirement in 2009. 

While in retirement Jim stepped away from any active involvement with the church – and in fact had left clear instructions that on his death “no formal service will be held, no marker erected, ashes will be scattered in a convenient river or forest” – his influence on many who have continued life in the church here in Winnipeg was significant. A group of clergy for whom Jim was a mentor and a supporter are organizing a simple gathering in his memory, inviting people to bring a little food to share and perhaps a story to tell. We will be gathering for a couple of hours on Monday October 27 at 6pm at All Saints Church, Winnipeg. 

RSVP: If you would like to join us, please be sure to email Jame Howison at jamiesbt@gmail.com by the end of the day on Friday October 24, 2025, so that we can have things set up for all who will attend. Instructions as to what food you might share will be sent to you once you are added to our list of participants.

To read Jim’s full obituary, go to rhodyfamily.com/life_story/james-draper