January 2, 1929 - May 7, 2020
Fondly remembered and greatly missed, James (Jim) Elias Jackson finished his final run and passed away peacefully on May 7, 2020. The theme of his last chat (by phone) with his beloved wife Ruth was "Didn't we have fun."
A loyal man with a bountiful and outgoing spirit, Jim's long life was blessed with a close knit loving family, excellent true-hearted friends, a long career during which he proudly served his community, and many adventures.
Skiing, motorcycling, golfing and travel were some of Jim's myriad personal interests, often combined. These activities continued well into his 80's, usually with the eager assistance and willing participation of family and friends. He loved languages and communication. He wrote letters and emailed friends and family his whole life and learning French up until his last few days
Born in Vancouver, Jim was raised on a farm near Chilliwack, BC. He graduated from the UBC Faculty of Pharmacy in 1952. During his time at UBC, Jim met the beautiful and intelligent Ruth Staf at Cultus Lake. They were married in November 1953 and lived their lives together with gusto, joie de vivre and a love of adventure and entertaining.
Jim & Ruth moved 'temporarily' to Princeton in the early 1950s when Reg Scott of Hope, BC, asked Jim to run a new Scott's Pharmacy in Princeton.
There they remained for more than 60 years. Jim was well-known in Princeton and fully involved in community development. He lobbied for and was active in the construction of the current Princeton General Hospital.
As avid golfers Jim and Ruth contributed to the maintenance and development of the Princeton Golf Course. Jim loved helping organize Princeton Racing Days and the Sunflower Downs race track. He was a member of the Princeton Rotary Club for many years.
After family, downhill skiing was Jim's raison d'être. This joy was shared by the forever love of his life Ruth, his sons, and his grand-children. He was a great supporter of nearby Amber, Apex Alpine, and Manning Park ski hills. His passion for skiing emboldened Jim to envision, build and outfit Snowpatch Ski Hill in Princeton, higher up and on the snowier side of the valley from Amber, enlisting the support of family, friends, and community members.
Jim and Ruth skied in Europe and heli-skied in British Columbia through the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 00s. Jim racked up over four million vertical feet. Jim's final skiing was at Whistler Blackcomb, making the most of his annual senior-discounted seasons pass.
Jim is survived by Ruth (neé Staf), his sister Diana Schmidt, sons Eric (Anne), Paul (Faye), Scott (Linda), daughter-in-law Janice, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Jim will be most remembered for his warmth, energy, gracious personality, humble demeanor, and wonderful storytelling.
As circumstances at the time precluded any ceremony, a celebration of Jim's life is tentatively planned for autumn or winter 2020, in the Vancouver area, conditions permitting. Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, a donation in memory of Jim can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Further information and updates and an opportunity to post memories of Jim can be found at https://www.memories.net/page/5346/jim-jackson