Jim passed away suddenly with his loving wife Liz at his side on Saturday morning August 5, 2006 at the age of 61.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Liz of 41 years, sons, Mike and Greg, their wives Cecy and Tracy and his grandsons Joshua and Tanner. Jim will also be remembered by his brother Fred, wife Sue, nieces Katharine and Christine, cousins and their families, as well as many other “adopted” family members and friends.
He was born in Winnipeg and spent his younger years in Trail and Vancouver, B.C. Jim and Liz were married in 1965 moving to Chilliwack in 1967 where they raised their family.
Throughout his life Jim was involved in sports. Hockey, Rugby, Ball, Junior Football with the Vancouver Merelomas and later with Rec and Old Timers Hockey. But his real love was with horses and animals of all shapes and sizes. He enjoyed Gymkhana and roping events and was so happy when Mike and Greg started riding. Chuckwagon and chariot racing followed. He helped out with the Chilliwack Rodeo every year in August.
Captain “Appaloosa was with him for over 34 years passing away last year. Jim loved his farm and his animals. He loved having friends over and his riding arena busy with ropers. He enjoyed sitting on his porch step taking in the events of the day and waiting for the “Big Egg” in the sky to come up. Becoming a Grandpa has been a goal in his life. He was overjoyed when Josh and Tanner arrived last year and couldn’t wait to get them on a horse and for them to have their own pitchforks to help Grandpa clean the barn.
Jim was an “old time” trucker. He was an honorable man who loved the road and the adventure of seeing new places and making new friends. Over the years he traveled from Alaska to Mexico hauling everything from lettuce to lumber. His many years at Les Reichelt Trucking, York Express, CF, Ridge Express and Visscher’s were followed by joining with his son Greg and wife Liz in G. Tutt Transport.
He lived by the “Golden Rule” and would expect that we would all continue to do the same.
A Memorial service will be held at the Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Street, Chilliwack, B.C. on Friday, August 11th, 2006 at 1:00pm. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital.