Tribute

Jim passed peacefully with family by his side.  He is survived by his five children, Colin, Donna (Perry) Fox, Gordon (Jody), Richard (Carmen) and Brian (Laurie); grandchildren Nathan (Marlene) McDonald, Janice (Jake) Coughlan, Darren (Erin), Christopher (Makenna), Briana (Canyon Prestwich), Kaitlyn, Brennen, Carter, Bailea, Colton, Bryson and great granddaughter Alexis.  Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Irene in 2011.

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Jim was an only child until he was 8 years old and his sister Sheila, whom he affectionately called Squirt, joined the family.  Jim doted on his sister and took her everywhere.

When Jim was 12 years old his family moved to Lake Athabasca in Goldfields, Saskatchewan.  There was no running water or electricity and so one of Jim’s many chores was to bring water up from the lake.  In winter this required cutting a hole in the ice.  Jim had an immense love for dogs and had his own dog sled team consisting of 4 huskies and lead dog Rex, a German shepherd.  All winter, Jim and his team had the important job of transporting supplies across the lake.

Although much of Jim’s early education was via correspondence, he enjoyed learning and did well in school throughout his life and always had good grades.  Jim also enjoyed working with his hands and built many model airplanes from kits or just his imagination.

In 1942 the family moved to Ocean Falls, B.C.  Here he joined the Seascouts but what he really wanted was to join the Air Force and join the war.  At 18 he joined up and trained as a sniper, with the best accuracy in his class.  The war ended before he could be deployed.

Jim then went to work at the local mill and started a 5 year apprenticeship to become a machinist.  During this time the family moved to New Westminster, B.C. but Jim stayed behind to finish his apprenticeship and followed later.

One of Jim’s best decisions was to move to Prince George, B.C. Here he met Irene Grakul.  They were married in 1957 and over the course of 11 years had 5 children.  Together Jim and Irene became small business owners starting with a Home Appliance Store, then on to a Laundromat and finished their careers with I & J Foods.

Retirement started with a move back to New Westminster so that Jim could help care for his ailing mother.  After her passing, Jim and Irene decided that to fully embrace retirement they needed to get out of the city and so moved to Osoyoos, B.C.  This became the vacation spot for the entire family and Jim and Irene spent the next 25 years watching their family grow.

After Irene’s passing Jim moved to Calgary, Alberta to be near his eldest son Colin and his family.

In memory of Jim donations can be made to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, 8506 92 Avenue, Osoyoos, B.C., V0H 1V2.

A funeral service was held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the Osoyoos Elks Hall followed by interment in the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery.

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