Memorable Manitobans: James Robert “Jim” Ferguson (1925-2013)

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James Robert Ferguson
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Farmer, MLA (1969-1973), MLA (1973-1977), MLA (1977-1981).

Born on 19 August 1925, son of Thomas Ferguson and Violet Power, he attended Ayr School, Preston School, and Gladstone High School. In 1957, he started a mixed farm in the Helston district, on land homesteaded by his grandfather for which the family received an MHS Centennial Farm Award in 1982.

On 2 October 1946, he married June Collins (?-2011) and they subsequently had four children. Active in his community, he was one of the founding members of the Gladstone Auction Mart, President of the Helston Curling Club, President of the Gladstone Curling Club, a trustee of Preston School, and President of the Gladstone Provincial Progressive Conservative Association.

In 1969, he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature for the Gladstone constituency and was re-elected in 1973 and 1977. He was Conservative Party Whip as well as Legislative Assistant for Agriculture minister James Downey. He retired from politics in 1981 and returned to farming. He was a Director of the Farm Debt Review Board where he assisted farm families facing financial problems or farm closures. In recognition of his exemplary community service, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).

He died at Gladstone on 26 February 2013 and was buried in the Mekiwin Cemetery.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 9 March 2013.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 19 November 2023

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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