February 10, 1926-January 11, 2003
Dad passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003 after a brief struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease). Jim was born in Avola, B.C. to Andrew and Bertha Tolmie, he was one of 14 children. The family settled in the Chilliwack River Valley in 1932.
Jim started punking whistles in the woods at Chehalis when he was 16. He served in the U.S. Army in the Second World War, upon returning home he continued his love for logging by working in the forest industry in many different areas in B.C., and all three West Coast states.
Jim married Ines Jacob on December 24, 1948. After travelling to the tune of Jim’s wanderlust for logging they finally settled at the “ranch” in the Chilliwack River Valley in February 1962. He continued logging until his retirement in 1992, he and Ines travelled extensively throughout North America. They successfully raised nine children, which has turned into a brood of 57 as of December 2002.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ines; sons, Michael (Helen), Brent (Christel), Eric (Kathy), and Tim (Bev); daughters, Becki (Rob), Susan, Margi (Darin), Kristy (Mark); and son-in-law Randy (Candice); 26 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six sisters; one brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; five brothers; one sister; and his daughter Candice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chilliwack Society for Community Living, or to the ALS Society.
A memorial service will be held at Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd., Chilliwack, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2003 at 1:30 p.m.