James John Donnelly

He was born in Calgary, Alberta, and as a young man, he worked hands on alongside his Irish father plastering and stuccoing many homes in the Calgary area. He then went on to manage a concrete company in Calgary, ‘Danilowich of Calgary’, while raising his family. Jim also had renovation experience in the residential trades. His hands-on knowledge was later applied to a successful career in real estate for 40+ years, a career that started in the 1960’s with Calgary based ‘Melton’ real estate.

Jim and his family moved to Victoria, BC in the early 70’s where he continued his real estate career. He was most proud of being a co-owner of both ‘Wessex' and ‘Country Wide’ real estate in Victoria. He loved his family, family was everything to him, and he was an unwavering support for them all. He treasured his life long friendships, many stemming from his early Calgary years. Jim celebrated his Irish heritage and his door was always open to all on St Patrick’s Day, including his many friends from the Victoria bathtub racing team,‘Mary’s Misfits’.

Jim enjoyed travel, and trailering with his wife, Barbara. He was proud to be Canadian, loved his daily walks, and always welcomed a chat with people he met along the way. He was an eternal optimist and considered himself to be a very lucky man; in Jim’s words, life was “wonderful, wonderful”.

Jim will be sadly missed, and forever in our hearts. He is predeceased by his parents Tom and Cecily Donnelly, brother Tom Donnelly, and sister in-law Joan Donnelly. He is survived by his wife Barbara Donnelly, sister Kathleen Neild (Rick) and family, daughters Troi Donnelly (John Gallimore), Corinne Warburton (Ray) and Shauna Fair (Gordon), grandchildren: Averyl, Rae, Nicolaas, Danielle, Isaac, Erin and Clayton, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A small family gathering will be held in remembrance of Jim. A donation in Jim’s memory may be made to the Alzheimers or Cancer Foundation.