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March 18, 2021
1955-2021 ~ It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim, on March 18 in Nanaimo after a brief illness. Jim accepted his fate with grace and kept his sense of humour until the end despite the difficult circumstances.
He is survived by his brothers Bob of Winnipeg and Doug (Donna) of Cochrane, Alberta, nieces Erin, Mandy and Kiery, nephews Graeme and Bob, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Bob and Ivy and sister-in-law Velda.
Jim was born in Stonewall, Manitoba and grew up in Stony Mountain, Manitoba and Winnipeg. After graduating with an Education degree from the University of Manitoba, he began a teaching career of many years, becoming a Principal.
He then moved on to the medical testing field, which took him to Toronto for a few years. Jim decided to pursue his passion for food and cooking and moved to Nanaimo in 2013 where he graduated with the Gold Medal in Culinary Arts at Vancouver Island University. After a few years of practicing this passion, he was hired as the manager of the call centre at the University where he loved mentoring and working with the students until he became ill.
Another great passion of Jim's was music. An extremely talented singer and instrumentalist, he played in many bands in Winnipeg (Blasting Picassos, Road Apple, Get Back and InCLINEation "Sweet Dreams of Patsy Cline"). With each band he brought his "A" game, always envisioning how to make the show better by adding another instrument, a shtick or skit, anything that would bring a "C" band up to an "A" in no time flat.
Jim also delved into song writing and he was good at it. He wrote and performed many songs, poems, and speeches for friends and family for special occasions. He wrote several songs to share and record with various bands and choirs and a few special songs he recorded as duets with his good friend Michelle. He always included a special twist to his songs that would make listeners really listen to what was coming next, which was almost never what was expected.
After moving to Nanaimo he sang with several choirs including Island Soul Choir (Nanaimo), Capital Soul Choir (Victoria) and City Soul Choir (Vancouver) where he made many special friends. Jim's spreadsheets and notebooks were staples in his home, and whenever any idea popped into his head, whether musical, lists, or life lessons, it was written down. He often had 20+ notebooks on the go at one time.
A celebration of Jim's life featuring lots of music, laughter, and fond remembrances will be held when it is possible. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Vancouver Island University in Jim's name are welcomed.
Special thanks to friends Roger, Sandy, Guy, Thrina, Michelle and Jim's niece Erin, as well as the the staff at Nanaimo Regional Hospital, all of whom cared for Jim in his final days.
Jim was taken far too soon and was loved and will be missed by so many.
Condolences may be left and information found at www.evergreencremationcentre.com

 Evergreen Cremation Centre


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