Jim passed after a short battle with lung cancer. He was predeceased by his parents and he leaves his wife Catherine (Cathy); sons: Louis (Anna), Jim (Angela), Brian (Corilee); six grandchildren: Katherine, Louis James, Adam, Jordan, Jordie, and Adison; brother Richard (Dick) and sister-in-law Arlene; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was born in Fernie where he received his schooling and started a life long love of fishing and hunting. He moved to Trail in the mid 60’s to work at Cominco, staying there until 1972 when he moved to Riondel and started working for West Kootenay Power. Raising a family in Riondel expanded Jim’s horizons when he became involved in the community as a member of the Commission of Management, the Fire department where he became the Fire Chief, the Recreation Club (one of the instigators of Riondel Days). He also enjoyed curling and driving the ambulance in any spare time he had. Jim became a life-long member of A.A. in 1970 and with other members started an annual Father’s Day Campout at the Riondel Beach Campground. Fishing was a passion that he shared with family and close friends, never happier than when someone else caught the elusive 20-pounder.
Moving to Crawford Bay in 1987 Jim, with the help of the boys, started to live his dream of having a farm. He worked-up from apprentice-lineman to District Supervisor before he “retired” in 1996.
Grandchildren, gardening, farming, and fishing filled his days. Jim was proud to produce good wholesome foods that impressed locals and even world travelers - a couple from Africa loved his squash. He enjoyed sharing his gardening tips, techniques and lore with all who asked. His proudest accomplishments were his boys, who he watched grow into men, with families of their own.
The family would like to thank Dr. Malpass and Dr. Moulson, chemo nurses, nurses of the 3rd floor in KLH and Kelowna General for their excellent care of Jim during his illness.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the Crawford Bay Hall on May 14th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Society in Jim’s memory.