James Roy Taylor

Born in Victoria to Roy and Margaret Taylor, Jim spent his early childhood exploring the Island before the family moved to Vancouver when he was five. From a young age, his parents instilled in Jim a lasting respect for service and community.

While delivering orders for Dunbar Meats in 1966, Jim met the love of his life, Janice (“Jan”) Lindberg, daughter of Ross and Olive Lindberg. The family embraced Jim at once, and he forged lasting friendships with Jan’s brothers and their families, Dan (Carole) and Daken (Monica). Jim and Jan married in 1969, united by deep family values and a shared faith nurtured at South Arm United Church, where they led the youth group.

Jim joined BC Tel in 1967, launching a career that honed his gift for communication and people-centered leadership. In 1979 he moved into telecommunications consulting, forming lifelong friendships at NEC and other innovative companies before completing his career with Fraser Heath.

At home, Jim was a devoted husband and the proud father of Bryan, Kelsey, and Kim. He immersed himself in all their pursuits- seldom missing a hockey game or figure skating competition. He brought the same boundless enthusiasm to grand-parenting Zack, Kai, Taylor, Will, Avery, Emilia and Ollie.

In his spare time, Jim served community hot meals at Johnson Heights church, fashioning wooden keepsakes for his grandchildren in the community-centre workshop, and volunteered as an ambassador at the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club.

Despite his cancer diagnosis, Jim lived with undiminished zeal. With Jan at his side, he travelled to California and Mexico to connect with friends - and enjoy a few rounds of golf - and he savoured two last summers at Shuswap Lake surrounded by family, demonstrating the resilience and faith he hoped would lift others through their own trials. When the cancer returned after a 6 month remission, he met it with clear-eyed grace, ultimately choosing hospice in the best interest of his family.

Following heartfelt visits from out-of-town relatives, Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by Jan, his wife of nearly 56 years; their children Bryan (Victoria), Kelsey (Shawn), and Kim (Matt); and his seven cherished grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving parents and younger brother Bob.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the teams at Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge hospitals; to Dr. Do and Dr. Huget-Penner, whose compassion knew no bounds; to our dear family and friends, Coquitlam Alliance Church and pastor Justin Dennison, for their steadfast emotional and spiritual support; and to the staff and volunteers at Crossroads Hospice for their gentle care.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on the first day of summer- Friday, June 20- at Coquitlam Alliance Church (2601 Spuraway Avenue, Coquitlam), at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pancreatic Cancer Canada in Jim’s memory would be deeply appreciated - Please see link below