William James McElwee

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend, William James McElwee (Jim). Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Berne; his brother, Donald (Donna, Nicki, Kaylie, Regan, James, Reed, Kelly); sisters-in-law: Lynne Thomson (Nick, Dylan, Hannah); Pat Chaben (Dean, Brock, Ally, Rowan, Natalie, Nik, Mark); Anne Jackson (Brian, Theresa, Brad, Jake, Blair, Jeff, Krishma, Lisa, Louis); Kathie Bryenton (Bill, Eric, Alex, Jill); the Buchanan clan; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Marge and Bill McElwee, his in-laws, Vera and Al Paskewitz, his brother-in-law, John Paskewitz and several aunts and uncles.

Jim was born and raised in Vancouver and Ladner. He delivered papers on his bike where the houses were miles apart, maybe that’s why he started driving at age 12. A neighbour across the street had a drag car that sparked Jim’s love of cars. He had several vehicles over the years including his pride and joy for the last 38 years, the ‘72 Corvette Stingray. He drove it like he stole it!

His family moved to Kamloops in 1972 and Jim worked at Sears for 7 ½ years. He was very proud of his career there. He also received his karate black belt during that time. Jim was hired on at BCTel in 1980 and moved to Castlegar. He later returned to Kamloops and joined the first aid team competing all over the province. This is when we met. We had lots of fun adventures and got married in October 1989. Jim retired in 2012 after 32 years with the company as a warehouseman, driver and cable splicer. We made a lot of very good friends at BCTel.

Jim was also a jack of all trades. He seemed to know something about everything and offered up plenty of advice. Jim was the life of the party; he kept people laughing and always had a story to tell; no one will forget his napkin dog ears. Jim’s dance moves were legendary and, as long as he was able, he would dance down the hallway making his moves when he got up in the morning! He definitely kept life interesting.

Jim loved to fish. Any free time was spent camping and fly fishing at one of our favourite lakes. Many of our nieces and nephews caught their first fish with Uncle Jimmy. He and his buddies would go on an annual fishing trip where they would play poker and swap lies. Jim always claimed he won the poker pot!

We had a wonderful 38 years together. We played ball and skied in the early years, golfed, travelled to tropical places and our many road trips in the Vet will never be forgotten. We enjoyed music festivals, lots of laughs and especially enjoyed our time with family and friends.

Jim loved all his nieces and nephews. He was at every birthday and graduation. In return, they loved and adored him. He also loved all of our friends & neighbor’s children. He will be missed by all.

We would like to thank all of the amazing health care professionals we met throughout his journey with cancer, in particular Isla, Ayla, Dr. Broadbent and Dr. Demianczuk.

Jim’s last days were spent peacefully at hospice where he was surrounded by loved ones and cared for by the most amazing staff.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Schoening Funeral Home, 513 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home would be greatly appreciated.

Livestream Link - https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/75133