James Arthur Stuart

February 10, 1936 – June 12, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Arthur Stuart ("Jim") on June 12, 2023 at the age of 87.

Jim was predeceased by the love of his life Rosemary Stuart. Jim leaves behind his three daughters and their partners: Lisa (Bill), Janine (Randy), Monica (D'arcy). Also his 5 grandchildren Braeanne (Nick), Brett, Kaiden, Nathan and Amaryn, his sister Betty Willans and several nieces and nephews. Jim was over the moon when he became a great-grandfather to Braeanne’s son Chase in 2021.

He was born in the Main Street area of Vancouver BC in 1936 to his parents James and Lidia Stuart. Jim’s school years were spent at St Patrick's elementary and senior years at King Edward High. He kept in touch with many of his peers from both schools through the years.

Jim was an avid rugby and football player for many years in his youth and played both sports for The Catholic Youth Organization. He also played for the Vancouver Rowing Club for a short while. Jim had a love for sports and that showed even more while being a supportive dad and later a grandpa. He was always our biggest fan watching and cheering from the sidelines.

Jim and Rosemary met and then got married on April 27, 1965 in North Vancouver. Their first born was a daughter, Lisa, who was born later that year. The family grew to five with Janine and Monica who came in the following years. Jim and Rosemary were married for 53 years.

The family spent most of their earlier years in North Vancouver, the Interior and then the East Kootenays of British Columbia.

After retiring from a successful landscaping and gardening business at the age of 65, Jim and Rosemary decided to move to Blind Bay, BC (Shuswap area of BC). Jim lived out his dream of owning a beautiful park-like yard where he spent his days gardening, hanging out on the deck with Mom and walking his dog Sadie down to the local beach. Friends and family knew if we needed to know the name of a plant or tree we could always count on Jim. He would often go and purchase plants and flowers (that he didn't need!) and even the local nursery workers knew him by name.

Our Dad will forever be remembered in so many capacities. Mostly for his endless stories, his deep love for his family, and connection to nature and wildlife. His last days were brightened by looking at the birds and feeding his squirrels in his backyard. Even though we couldn't always get him to smile in photos, he was the most happy, positive and loving man we knew. He had the most caring and warm presence and reminded us of a big teddy bear.

“A garden is a reflection of you, its your presence in the world”

Julie Newmar

A celebration of life will be held for friends and family on July 22, 2023 at 1339 Steeple Drive, Coquitlam BC from 2-6 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialportcoquitlam.com for the Stuart family.