James Shields

Jim was loved by so many its hard to know where to start.  So we will start at the beginning.  Born to Jean and Everad in Salmon Valley Prince George.  He was one of 15.  He left Salmon Valley for PG, spent a few years there, and then moved to Cranbrook.

Jim met Denise in Oyama in 1984 and he took on another big family, the Simpson gang. He was a Volunteer fire fighter in Oyama, and a pitcher for the Oyama Hornets where the family enjoyed many summers watching him play.

Jim worked for BC Tel, and then Telus as a mechanic, where he spent his whole working life.  He had many friends and co-workers and was a loyal employee and union member.  He loved those days.  He spent many hours car racing in both Cranbrook, and then Penticton with his cousin Len.

He took the boys to hockey and spent countless hours at the Arena and travelling around BC with them.  He taught the kids how to fish, camp, and drive like crazy.

He also coached the boys hockey, and girls curling

He was a gentle man who loved to tell jokes but could not get to the punchline without laughing. He was honest and had such a strong integrity that we knew him for.

He loved curling and spent many years at the Winfield Curling Club, he was even on a team that got an 8 Ender did he ever celebrate that. 

Once retired from Telus, he supported Denise while she worked in Vancouver, and he became the housekeeper.  The last 7 years Jim worked part-time at Mable Lake Golf course, making many friends, and loving our summer life at Club Kingfisher where again he made many friends, and he was the guy to go to if you needed help with your golf cart.  In 2011 we started to spend winters in AZ and purchased a home there.  Countless hours of quadding, golfing, and not to mention many happy hours, and friends galore.  He loved to cook the Prime Rib for Christmas dinner, where many friends would join us.

Jim’s memory will live on through his Wife Denise, the love of his life, his four children, Trent (Diana) Matthew,(Janelle)  Mark (Amanda) and Stephanie.  Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He has left 12 siblings who all love him dearly and who are a great support for Denise and family.  Lucy misses you Jim, as we all do.

We have so many people to thank, but you know who you are.  Jim received excellent care from Dr. Richard Harper, VJH and KGH medical teams, the paramedics, lab tech and the dialysis units in both Kelowna and Vernon.  A very special thanks to Jim’s friend of 50 years Rick, and his wife Angie.  Jim loved you both so much. 

We would appreciate in lieu of flowers a donation to the Kidney foundation and or your SPCA.

A celebration of life will he held 25th May 2024 at the Mabel Lake Golf Club between 1:00 and 3:00.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Jim’s final resting place will be at the farm in Salmon Valley.