July 29, 1925 -
December 28, 2006
It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of Jim Wilson of Ladysmith, following a brief illness.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Evelyn and sisters Margaret and Eva, Jim is survived by 10 children; Steve (Cathy), Susanne (Norm), Corinne (Gord), James, Ramona (Gary), Mark (Judy), Lisa (Dan), Tracey (George), Harold, and Deena (Brent). Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, brother Bob Wilson, sister Mavis Gwynne (Carl), brother-in-law Ed Thompson and sister-in-law Jean Nuytten. Jim also leaves to mourn his passing many nieces and nephews, in-laws and numerous friends.
Born to one of the original settling families in south Vancouver, Jim spent his early summers working on the family farm in Saskatchewan and he went to work with his father in the Vancouver foundry at an early age. He served with the Edmonton Rifles during WWII in Italy and North Africa, and was a lifelong legion member. Jim became an ironworker and had just left shift when the Ironworker’s Memorial Bridge collapsed.
He was a hard worker all of his life and rarely missed a day’s work. He was a lifetime member of a hunting shack on Wetham Island, where he spent many happy hours among friends. He loved the outdoors, whether hiking, hunting or fishing, and took long walks until the end of his life.
When he retired to Ladysmith, he devoted his time to helping his family and his neighbours, traveling and working in the garden he loved so much. He won many prizes at the Ladysmith Fall Fair. He lived independently in his own home until he entered the hospital one week before he died. Jim was a man who could be called upon in anyone’s hour of need. His loss will leave a huge gap in all of our lives.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kennedy, and the ICU team at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their wonderful care of patient and family during Jim’s illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm January 13, 2007 at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends and family so wish, donations in Jim’s memory to a charity of choice would be most appreciated.