Born in New Westminster, BC, Jim developed his love of the outdoors after moving to what was then a very rural Coquitlam as a small child. He enjoyed tending to chickens and pigs, and later hiking and rock climbing in the mountains with his brother Fred and gang of adventurous friends. With a developing interest in science, Jim studied chemistry at UBC. He went on to complete a Doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Sussex, England, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Research Council in Ottawa. He moved to Montreal to take a research scientist position with Bristol-Myers, where he later became a Director of Research. In Montreal, Jim met his future beloved wife, Kathleen (“Kathy”), through mutual involvement with the Alpine Club of Canada. Jim and Kathy enjoyed hiking, cross-country skiing, travelling, and reading, and celebrated 50 years of married life together.
Jim was a man of vast knowledge, patience, and kindness, and will be dearly missed by his wife Kathy, son Keith, daughter Rebecca (Ramzi), grandsons Sam and Leo, brother Fred (Alice), sister Lois, cousins, and community. He was predeceased by his father, Leslie and mother, Ardis. May he Rest in Peace.
Family will gather for a private burial at Mont Royal, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Unitarian Church of Montreal.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in Jim’s memory.
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