Tribute

Jim was born in Rossland B.C. on July 25,1940 to Melvin and Mildred Harrington. Growing up in Fernie, Jim was the eldest of 7 children. As a youngster, Jim played 1^st base for the Fernie Falcons and enjoyed  listening to his beloved Montreal Canadiens games on the radio.  When Jim was a teenager, he took on the role of helping provide for his family. He worked for the CPR and would often share crazy stories of this time with his family later on in his life. Jim graduated from College in 1973, shortly after the birth of his first daughter Patricia. They moved to Canal Flats so he could begin his first job as a Recreation Director. It was while they were in Canal Flats that they welcomed their second daughter, Susan.  Jim worked out of the arena and it was there that he began his life-long passion of bringing people together to inspire young athletes who loved to play hockey. Jim was instrumental in bringing hockey camps and high level coaches to the Columbia Valley in both Canal Flats and Invermere. When he had the amazing opportunity to apply for a job in Osoyoos in 1978, he drove through the mountains, had an interview and called June from a booth in the Diamond Steakhouse to share the news that they needed to make a decision about whether or not they wanted to start a new life in a new community. Mom thought about the times she had driven through this beautiful town and they committed to making Osoyoos their home.

The Sunbowl Arena was a second home to Jim. He loved living across the street where he could keep an eye on the place, let kids in early to skate, and watch, as many a night, the men’s Rec league players stayed after hours “talking”.  Jim was kind, generous, and honorable. A true gentleman. As a father and grandpa, Jim was second to none. He took great interest in everything his kids and grandchildren took part in. He would be there for skating competitions, ringette and soccer games, track meets and cross country runs. He was married to the love of his life June for 52 years.  Together, and often with friends or family, they travelled to Europe, Mexico, the Panama Canal and many places in the US.

Jim is survived by his wife, June, daughter, Patricia (Sean) and grandsons, Caleb and Grady, daughter, Susan and grandson, Ryan and granddaughter, Tatum, Jim’s siblings, Terry (Gena), Peter (Marion), Carol (Glen), and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Mildred Harrington, niece, Jessica, brother, Michael (Patsy), sister, Maureen (Frank), and brother, Paddy (Myrna).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 pm October 29^th at St. Anne Catholic Church, Osoyoos, BC with inurnment to follow at the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery columbarium. A reception in the Osoyoos Sun Bowl Arena mezzanine will follow the inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com