James (Jim) William Shaw
May 26, 1950 - February 19, 2015
Peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Jim passed away on February 19th.
Survived by his wife Brenda, their sons Bradley (Melissa), Ryan (Amanda), Cole, Sister Terry (Ken) and beloved granddaughter Emma. Predeceased by parents Bill & Peggy and brother Tommy.
Jim was a lifelong Nanaimo resident. He spent his childhood in Cedar before moving to Chase River with his wife Brenda. In 1982 they settled into the home they built on the hill above Extension.
Jim was a lover of the outdoors and was most at home when enjoying the forests, rivers and oceans. Jim’s favorite past-times included hunting, fishing, shrooming, scouring the local hills for wild blackberries and gardening. Summer vacations were spent camping and fishing. Jim was also a great cook. He loved to put on his chef’s apron, fire up the barbecue and host dinners for family and friends.
Whenever a storm would blow, Jim would claim that the ‘wood gods’ were at work knocking down trees to provide next year’s firewood.
Jim’s working life was spent at Harmac where he worked these past 46 years. He started in the machine room then went on to apprentice and became a journeyman pipefitter. More recently, Jim worked as the “wells attendant”. Jim was a strong union member upholding the values of shared strength and benefits for all.
Sports played a big role in Jim’s life. He spent numerous years on a fastball diamond. He played in the Nanaimo Men’s fastball rec league and he first met Brenda while coaching her team. He volunteered for the Nanaimo & Extension Minor Softball Associations, and coached his boy’s fastball teams. A hockey fan – he was a season ticket holder at the Clippers hockey games. Jim also loved to golf with friends both at home or on vacation.
In recent years, winter escapes to the beaches and warm temperatures of Hawaii and Mexico are filled with wonderful memories.
Jim was always there with a smile and a hug or a helping hand for family and friends alike.
Thank you to the palliative care staff at NRGH for helping Jim and family at a very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name to Children’s Hospital or the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH are graciously accepted.
A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held on Friday, March 13th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Cottonwood Golf Course.
Jim, you will be forever in our hearts,
Wherever the sun shines, the wind blows and the fish bite.