March 6th, 1931 – August 10th, 2015
On Monday, August 10th, 2015, Jim passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Durham City England, to Jack and Martha Egan, and was the second youngest of eight. He attended Durham University, graduating with a degree in agriculture. Earlier, he volunteered to serve in the Korean War but, to his surprise, was posted to Japan and Malaya.
He married Ann in 1962 and in 1967, with three small children, they emigrated as 1st generation to Canada. Posted to Fort St. John as a Land Officer for the Provincial Government, Jim was transferred to Prince Rupert in 1969 where soon after, their fourth child was born. In 1972 they put down roots in Courtenay where Jim was Land Manager and where he devoted many years to the K.V.A. and Govt. Retired Employees.
Jim’s love of music, reading, gardening and curiousity in everything around him influenced all who knew him. Jim’s family meant the world to him. He leaves his life partner, friend and wife Ann, daughters Katherine (and soulmate Kevin) and Helen (Norm); his sons Richard (Loretta) and John (Jasmine); his precious grandchildren Chloe, Chase, Annaka, Michael, Jayden, and William; his surviving sister Kathleen as well as many dearly loved relatives in England, Germany and BC.
Jim was a father and friend to many more than his biological children. He was an inspiration, a creator, a musical companion and a lover of truth and knowledge. He will be greatly missed and forever loved by all who had the honour to meet and know him.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. A Bakshi, Dr. P. Nel and all the incredible nursing and homecare staff for the amazing care and compassion shown to Jim and his family. Many thanks to Toneff Funeral Services.
A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be held in the Garden of Egan at a future date. Jim had a fathomless store of quotations. Now that he is truly and finally Home, his most infamous and much used line seems appropriate;
“I’m at Home and I wish you all were”.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Canadian Wildlife Fund or a charity of choice.