Jerry James Stinson

Jerry James Stinson

1946 - 2026

Jerry James Stinson of Birch River, Manitoba, formerly of Bowsman and Roblin, Manitoba, passed away on June 19, 2026, at the age of 80. A man of deep faith, he was quiet and reflective, and he treasured time alone with God and reading his Bible.

He is survived by his loving wife, Myrna Ellen Stinson; their four children, Jered (Elaine) Stinson of Bowsman, MB, Mark (Melanie) Stinson of Bowsman, MB, Darren (Cindy) Stinson of Grand Forks, ND, and Julie (Jason) Collyer of Okotoks, AB; 15 grandchildren; 18 great‑grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his three sisters, Shirlee Toews of Didsbury, AB, Iris (Roger) Belcourt of Woodlands, MB, and Diane Matthes of Roblin, MB. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Ruby Stinson, and his brothers‑in‑law, Manny Toews and Bob Matthes.

Jerry began his working life in 1964 on the mechanical crew at Esterhazy, SK, potash mine. He then gained much of his mechanical training while working at the Trafananko Brothers John Deere dealership in Wroxton from 1965 to 1969. In the summer of 1965, he met Myrna Osborne of Wroxton, SK, and they were married on July 11, 1969, and resided near Roblin, MB and began farming with his father. They welcomed four children into their family between 1970 and 1976: Jered, Mark, Darren, and Julie.

In 1976, Jerry and Myrna moved to a farm near Bowsman, MB, where he continued farming and operating his diesel mechanic shop, Jerry’s Service. A long‑time diesel mechanic, Jerry ran his own repair shop for more than 40 years, repairing farmers’ tractors across the Swan River Valley. He was known for his deep knowledge, trusted expertise, and unwavering integrity.

In 2016, Jerry and Myrna moved off the original Bowsman farm when their son Mark (Melanie) took over the operation. They then settled on another farm site near Birch River, MB, but Jerry never completely retired, as he loved the land and was often helping Mark with every aspect of the operation.

Jerry was also an avid pilot. He earned his pilot’s license in the spring of 1971 and, over the course of his life, owned six different aircraft. He loved flying his family to destinations near and far, and he took great pride in having his own hangar and keeping his runway carefully maintained.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Jerry may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation Box 460 STN K Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or War Amps 1 Maybrook Drive Scarborough, ON M1N 5K9.

Private family service will be held at a later date.