James Lloyd McLellan

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of James Lloyd McLellan, on March 18th, 2023. He is predeceased by his mother, Florence Marie Langlois McLellan, his father, James Alister Mclellan, and his brother, Richard Dennis McLellan. He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne Jantz, sister, Susanne Marie McLellan de Pencier, daughter and son-in-law, Kristin McLellan and Graeme Staley, sons, Kevin McLellan, Patrick McLellan, and Alister James McLellan, stepdaughter, Tashja Janzen, stepson, Christopher Diamond, grandsons, Miles and Oliver Staley, and step-grandchildren, Brandon, Bryan, Chris, Fern, and Aspen Janzen.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on October 3rd, 1945, Jim and his parents moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where in 1949 his beloved brother Richard was born. In 1953, the family of four moved to North Vancouver, BC, where shortly thereafter his sister Susanne was born. The family long enjoyed spending their summers at a cabin on Wood Lake in Winfield, BC. Some of Jim’s happiest memories were made there, and he spoke often of waterskiing with his best friend and partner in crime, his brother Richard.

Jim excelled at school as a child, and was an avid hockey player. In 1962, he played across all the prairies as a Moose Jaw Canuck, and was eventually drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks as a forward for the Brigham Young University farm team, in Provo, Utah. After three years, Jim made the decision to return to Vancouver to finish his law degree, at UBC.

In 1976, Jim moved to Kelowna, BC, with his young children, where he would practice law for many years. During this time, Jim kept himself (and friends and strangers alike!) always entertained with the creation of many different characters for everyone to enjoy! In the late 70s, he was known as ‘Lady Flash’, lead singer of ‘Lady Flash & the Tramps. In the 80s he enjoyed popularity as ‘Axle Cruickshank’, while he hosted his own weekly radio show on CKOV out of Al’s Café in Winfield called, ‘Diesel & Donuts’. He also cruised the shores of Okanagan Lake as Commander of the Okanagan Centre Navy’s inland based (and singular)submarine. He was Drill Sergeant for both the Husqvarna Chainsaw, and Lawnboy Lawnmower drill teams, where his brilliant choreography got them invited to participate in many parades (including the PNE Parade!), and football game halftime shows! Jim inspired people while celebrating community, and nary a dull story about him exists. Defenseless against his quick wit and charm, few can not smile when saying his name. What a gift!

In the mid 90s, Jim returned to the lower mainland where in 2002 he met the love of his life, Yvonne Jantz. Theirs was a bond experienced by few, and his love for her was unwavering. He would become a grandfather for the first time two years later, and then again in 2007. He was an amazing grandfather, who showed great love and affection for all of his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, right until the very end. In 2017, Jim retired from driving chartered buses and enjoyed a quiet and peaceful life in the beautiful back hills of Mission, BC, with Yvonne.

Taken from us too soon, we celebrate the brilliant life of an adoring husband, loving father and brother, doting grandfather, and loyal friend. We love you, and you are sorely missed.

A celebration of this most extraordinary life will be held at a later date.