James Michael Pitchko

Jim passed away in his Calgary home on April 14, 2025. He was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and grew up in nearby Dana, surrounded by a big family and many friends. He moved to Edmonton, Alberta and married Kathy Severn there in 1976. His work moved them to Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and back to Calgary where they remained for the last 33 years.

Jim was very sociable and never missed an opportunity to find a connection with new people; he loved a good party. He was involved in many sports and activities throughout the years, from hockey, slow-pitch, curling, and golf, to playing in a band, fishing, cards, and even Ukrainian dancing. Skilled at home improvement, Jim finished many a basement, and built decks and garages for himself and his children. He worked throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba for Shell Canada for most of his career before retiring in 2009. Jim’s retirement featured winters in Arizona, cruises in Europe and the Panama Canal, and a trip to Hawaii, along with many rounds of golf with friends and family alike.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Betty and Peter Pitchko. He is survived by Kathy, his wife of nearly 49 years; his brothers Al, Len (Jo-Ann), and Murray (Edie) of Edmonton, Alberta; his children Janice Pitchko (Jeff Petersen) of Okotoks, Alberta, Wendy Fortna (Jeff) of Hanna, Alberta, and Bryan Pitchko (Morghan Elliot) of Calgary, Alberta; and his grandchildren Marian Petersen, Erik Petersen, Jillian Fortna, April Fortna, and Bronwyn Pitchko.

Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8 at St Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903 – 45 Street SW, Calgary) with Reverend Father Janko Herbut officiating. Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.