James “Jim” Wallace Pehura
With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of James “Jim” Pehura on June 22, 2025. He died peacefully, surrounded by family, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. A father, grandfather, uncle, teacher and retired principal, he leaves behind an unmeasurable impact on the lives of his family, students, co-workers and friends in Portage la Prairie.
Born on May 6, 1945, Jim was the first of three children welcomed by Margaret and Wallace Pehura. He grew up in the east end of Portage la Prairie, a place he remembered with great fondness. The tight-knit community and childhood friendships he formed there shaped the way he moved through life, with deep respect for connection, a strong belief in relationships, and a generous spirit. Jim attended Victoria School from 1951 to 1958 before continuing to Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI), where he graduated in 1963. It was at PCI that his passion for the arts and literature blossomed. He became President of the Drama Club, an avid debater and curler, and a key contributor to The Tatler, the school’s yearbook, an interest he continued during his 44-year teaching career. His wit and sense of humour set him apart, even then. Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts from United College (now the University of Winnipeg) in 1966 and soon after joined the staff at PCI to teach English Literature. He continued to grow academically, completing a Pre-Master’s Program at the University of Manitoba in 1974.
In 1971, Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Kruk, on New Year’s Eve. They married on April 27, 1973, and together built a life full of love, laughter, and, eventually, four boys: Christopher, Rob, Cameron, and Jon, all born within six years. Life was busy, loud, and joyful. In 1976, Jim and his good friend Brian purchased a cabin at Delta Beach, which became the summer escape for their families for nearly four decades. In 2015, Jim and Shirley took over the cabin entirely, spending their summers at Delta, their favourite place, surrounded by family and friends. Jim had a deep and lasting bond with his sister Nan, brother-in-law Bob, and their children Colleen, Sean, and Shannon. They were his second family. From beach days to a road trip to Florida in 1987, they shared countless adventures. He was lovingly called “Gigi,” a source of support and pride to his nieces and nephews, always interested and always present. Jim was endlessly proud of his own children and never failed to provide thoughtful guidance, encouragement, or a gentle redirection when it was needed. He volunteered with the Portage Piranhas while his sons swam, championing the work of volunteers and always celebrating the effort behind the scenes. His pride grew even greater as a grandfather to Titan, Carson, Mila, and Olivia. Whether it was a concert, swim meet, game, or recital, Jim was there, cheering the loudest and smiling the widest.
Although his legacy within his family is strong, Jim also leaves behind a profound imprint on generations of students and staff at Portage Collegiate Institute. Known to many as “Mr. Pehura,” he was a legendary educator who inspired learning through relationships, decades before it became the norm. His classrooms were spaces where students felt seen, heard, and valued. He taught literature through film, music, and art, knowing that engagement was the key to understanding. Jim could command a room of 80 but make each student feel like the lesson was just for them. He lifted students by showcasing their strengths. If you couldn’t write but could draw, he celebrated your art. He believed in the uniqueness of each learner, and his creativity, empathy, and ability to connect left a lasting impression. Jim transitioned into school leadership in 1994 and became Principal of PCI in 1996. He knew every student by name, welcomed new faces personally, and made it his mission to ensure every person felt valued. He played a pivotal role in the PCI amalgamation in 2006 and led with the same presence, integrity, and heart that defined his teaching career. Many current educators cite Jim as the reason they pursued teaching.
Jim retired in 2010 alongside Shirley, who had also worked at PCI. Retirement was rich and full, filled with summers at Delta, winters in Hawaii, Florida, Caribbean Cruises, a trip to Greece, travel to Las Vegas, gardening, aquafit, line dancing, a planned future trip to Portugal in January 2026, and friendships nurtured over decades. He stayed active, often saying he was fitter in retirement than in his 30s, and loved his daily summer swims at Delta, even as his silver hair began to blend into the waves. He also remained committed to community service, serving on the board of the Portage Fitness Co-op and as Treasurer for the Herman Prior Centre.
In May 2025, Jim was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. True to form, he faced it with strength, clarity, and grace. He stayed positive, lived in the moment, and remained focused on what mattered most: his family, his friends, and the joy of each day.
Jim leaves to mourn his wife of 52 years, Shirley; his sons Chris (Hanh), Rob (Cassandra), Cam (Lena), and Jon; and his adored grandchildren Titan, Carson, Mila, and Olivia. He is survived by his sisters Nan (Bob) and Barbara (Jim), nieces Colleen (Greg) and Shannon (Kenny), nephews Sean and Robbie, great-nieces Sadie and Phoenix, great-nephew Seth, extended family, lifelong friends, former students, and a community forever shaped by his presence.
Jim’s impact on Portage la Prairie will echo for years to come. His was a life of substance, of meaning, and of heart. He taught by example, led with empathy, and loved deeply. His legacy lives not only in the lessons he taught but in the countless lives he lifted.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a fixture at PCI. For those whose lives were touched by Jim, we invite you to honour his memory by living the words he held dear: Ante nos scientia — “knowledge before us.” May this guiding principle inspire you to keep learning, keep growing, and carry forward the legacy of a truly remarkable man.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Trinity United Church at 1:00 pm. Private family interment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Columbarium. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by registering at Jim’s obituary page at http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Central Plains Cancer Services or Trinity United Church.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.