Rodney James passed away December 2nd, 2022 at the age of 90. Rodney had cattle, especially purebred cattle, in his blood from an early age. Improving Canada’s beef herds was paramount through his life. He was one of the first to bring Charolais from the States in 1958, (at the age of 26), was instrumental in bringing Charolais, Simmental and other breeds from Europe, started several beef breed magazines including the Charolais Banner in 1966 and was part of it until 1983. He set up a beef operation in Nova Scotia, and started Purebred Sales Management companies to market these new breeds. Charcan and later Transcon Livestock Corp. sales management companies and selling Simmental and Charolais, were the passion for most of his life. A celebration of life will be held at the Okotoks United Church, 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 5th.