Skip to content

It is with great sorrow and extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, uncle and best friend, Jim, on January 26, 2013 at The Cascades Hospice in Chilliwack, BC.

Left to mourn his passing are his sister, Sharon Rykens of Groningin, Holland; brother, Ernie (Donna) of Carvel, Alberta; his niece and nephews; great nieces and nephews; his best friend, Claude Meilleur; and many extended family and friends. Jim was born in Holland and moved to Canada with his family at a young age. He was a well respected and much loved teacher for many years, and once retired, he went on an adventure to New Mexico to teach the Navajo Indians, which he felt was an incredible experience. Jim was co-owner of The Chocolate Shoppe with his best friend, Claude, for many years, which he immensely enjoyed doing. He became known by all the children as “the bald guy” and was always missed when he was not there.

He will be forever in our hearts and minds.

God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be,

So He wrapped His arms around you,

And whispered “Come to Me.”

You didn’t deserve what you went through,

And so He gave you rest.

And when we saw you sleeping,

So peaceful and free from pain,

We could not wish you back,

To suffer that again.

A special thank you to the staff of 4-South at Chilliwack General Hospital, and to the staff at The Cascades Hospice for their loving care and compassion in his final days. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, February 1, 2013 at Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church 9800 McNaught Rd. A Reception Gathering will be held following the service at Henderson’s Funeral Home 45901 Victoria Ave.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.