Tribute

By the light of the full moon James Gilbert Ouellette peacefully passed away April 12, 2025. At his bedside was his wife of 60 years, Paulette. As she dozed off about 11 pm he took the opportunity to slip away.

Jim was born January 29, 1941 in Kenaston, Saskatchewan. He was the 10th child in a family of 12 children and was the last boy to pass away. There are 3 sisters still living.

Jim and Paulette had 5 children;

1. Monique (deceased in 2018) married to Ralph Warkentin they have 4 children; Emily, Erika, Colin and Samuel
2. Michelle married to Kerry Cruickshank. Their two children are Kyle and Tori
3. Darren married to Margit Hahn. They have 7 kids; Kira-Anne, Cooper, Ian, Nicholas, Rachel, Paul, Rose
4. Sheri married to Norman Grenier. Their two children are Ella and Georgia
5. Christopher is married to Ronya Lake. They have one child, Helena

Jim moved his family to British Columbia in 1972, he fell in love with the mountains and after a couple moves settled the family in Oliver in 1974.

Jim and Paulette opened the Mini Market, a small grocery store on Main Street. Later Jim worked at the Graham Funeral Home and the Super Value. He eventually opened his own business; Double O office maintenance.

Jim was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. He was an active supporter for many seniors and neighbours in the community. Once Jim retired he volunteered much of his time to the Oliver Food Bank. He truly loved serving others. His service was acknowledged when he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for service to the community.

Jim loved nature. When the kids were young there was many a Sunday spent hiking a local trail or playing in a creek. Everyone loved these outings, coming home muddy, tired and with any luck a stop at the DQ. Some will also remember many camping trips either in the old canvas tent or the Boler trailer. Such great family times.

Paulette and Jim traveled often back to Saskatchewan to visit family and friends. There were a few grand trips over the years; a train ride across Canada and a driving tour of the East Coast, the motor home adventure trip to Disneyland, the holy lands, Hawaii and finally a 60^th anniversary cruise to Alaska.

Many people will remember Jim’s passion for clocks. He loved the challenge of repairing and restoring historical clocks, manual alarm clocks and watches. He even worked on a few clock towers.

In the event you would like to honor Jim’s memory, please make a donation to the Oliver Food Bank.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Thursday April 24, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church followed by interment and committal at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery. A reception in the church lower hall will follow the committal.

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