In loving memory ~
James David Jones was born on September 6, 1943 in Vanderhoof B.C. to Dave and Margaret Jones. He passed peacefully at Valleyhaven care home on May 22, 2025 at age 81.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years Joan, son Gordon (Lindsey), daughter Lorana, grandchildren Taylor (Bronwen), Lyndsay, Bryce, Grayson and Rylan. He also leaves his sister Janis (Geoff) Johnson, nephew Brady (Jaymi) Johnson and Reid, brother-in-law Gordon (Trudy) Boutwell and sister-in-law Marilyn Wood.
Some of the highlights of Jim's life include growing up in the small town of Fort St. James and playing in high-school badminton tournaments across northern BC. Jim moved to Kelowna with his family and met his future wife Joan Boutwell. Jim spent 5 years in the RCAF, the best part of which was flying the CF104 Starfighter jet from bases in Europe. The birth of his two children to expand his family with Joan. Jim was also an entrepreneur, starting and selling a successful business in manufacturing and prestaining cedar siding.
His activities during his lengthy retirement included skiing with family and friends at his favourite mountains Mt. Baker and Big White, taking up badminton again and playing with friends in Kelowna and at tournaments, building a 1934 Ford hot rod doing most of the work himself, watching his grandchildren's sports games, golfing at home and in Arizona or Florida in the winter, doing renovations and building furniture for family members, and of course fishing. After retiring in 1989, Jim spent a lot of time fishing for salmon near Port Alberni, as well as in the rivers and lakes of B.C. for salmon and trout. He believed in catch-and-release fishing and spent many hours tying his own flies for fly-fishing.
The family would like to thank the staff at Valleyhaven for the wonderful care Jim received for the past several years.
A family gathering will be held at a later date.
Jim, you will be forever missed. In the words of your favourite hymn - God be with you till we meet again.