James (Jim) Backus

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Allan Stephen "Jim" Backus, aged 70, of Fairview, AB. Jim passed peacefully on March 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on May 15, 1955, in Dawson Creek, BC, and grew up in the close-knit community of Cherry Point/Bear Canyon, AB, alongside his siblings Dayle, Janet, Dave, Joe, Cathy, and Michael. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1973 and went on to earn a Marketing Diploma in Business Administration and Management from NAIT in 1976. In 1984, he married the love of his life, Roxie, in Grande Prairie, AB. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two sons: Coleby, born in 1987 in Fairview, AB, and Dustin, born in 1989 in Fort St. John, BC. Jim’s career was marked by dedication, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.

He spent 33 years in the John Deere dealership network across AB and BC, advancing through roles in sales, management, and ownership at dealerships, including Ross Farm Power, Foothills Equipment, Fivestar Equipment, Peace Farm Power, McKay Brothers, and Cervus Equipment. In 2011, he became a partner in Kubota Country in Fairview, and in 2014, he opened Grande Prairie Kubota — a business that later became his sole ownership. His sons Coleby and Dustin joined him from the very beginning in 2014 and proudly continue to operate it today.

Retirement was short-lived; in 2024, Jim earned his Real Estate license and joined Grassroots Realty, always staying active and engaged. Beyond his professional life, Jim gave generously of his time and leadership. He served as President of Fairview Minor Hockey, the Fairview Curling Club, and the Fairview Chamber of Commerce, and held the roles of President of the Canada West Dealers Equipment Association and Director on the North American Equipment Dealers Association. His community spirit touched many lives.

Above all, Jim’s greatest joy was his family and friends, and nothing made him happier than time with his grandchildren. He cherished every moment with them. He loved golfing, curling, and watching hockey, and he approached everything with honesty, hard work, loyalty, intelligence, and sincerity.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Roxie Backus; sons Coleby Backus (Breanna) and their children Wyatt, Colten, Logan, and Adelaide; Dustin Backus (Karen) and their son Stellan; his siblings Dayle, Janet, Dave, Joe (Nancy), Cathy (Greg), and Michael (Jody); as well as his mother-in-law Patricia Wilson and sister-in-law Mitzi Godberson. He is also survived by numerous extended family members, including many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, George Backus, mother, Shirley Fredrickson, step-father Charlie Fredrickson, and his father-in-law, George Wilson.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at E.E. Oliver School in Fairview, AB, followed by a fellowship and beef on a bun at the Dunvegan Motor Inn in Fairview, AB.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Society in Fairview, AB.

Jim will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched. He lived a full, honest life filled with love, laughter, and quiet strength, and his legacy will live on through his family and the many people he inspired.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck) Fairview 780-835-3306

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