James Allan Dejonckheere

James Allan Dejonckheere, age 56, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday December 15, 2025 in Selkirk, Manitoba.

James was born in Selkirk on November 26, 1969. He went to Mapleton School, Lockport Jr. High, then the Lord Selkirk Regional Secondary School where he graduated in 1988. James was obsessed with cars, and fittingly, attended the Automotive Technician program at Red River College and graduated with honours in 1999.

Aside from cars, James loved food, music, movies, books, late night bike rides, playing his guitars, and he loved to tell jokes to anyone who would listen! He loved anything vintage - classic things that are no longer made - with him often saying he was born in the wrong decade because of his big aversion to modern technology. He longed for the simpler days.

He recently went through a struggle after an accident in August 2025, and was just bouncing back when he passed away. We were proud of him for making it through that extremely difficult time.

James was predeceased by his father John Dejonckheere and partner Linda Clarke. He is lovingly remembered by his mother Anna Kraft, sister Jo-Anne Wilson, his son, Alex Van Somer and his mother Chrissy Van Somer. He also leaves behind his step siblings and their children; Kelly Clarke (Amanda, John) Bonnie Clarke (husband Myron Franks & Zack, Zane, Megan), Christi Clarke (Isobel) and Keri Clarke (Emma); as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

As we have navigated these past few weeks we have learned more and more about how many people James actually knew in the community. We welcome you to join us in remembering him.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Clements Anglican Church, 1178 River Road, St. Andrews, MB. Pallbearers will be Alex, as well as our cousins, Mike Van Schepdael, Lou-Ann Andrews, Danny Van Schepdael, Carolyn Dejonckheere, and Alison Brochu. Interment to follow along with lunch at the St. Clements Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’s memory to the Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Selkirk, MB.

A quote from one of James’s favourite stories, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens: 

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”

Rest easy James, we will see you when we get there!

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Allan Dejonckheere, please visit our floral store.