June 29, 1923 – March 22, 2016
June was born in Manchester, England, and spent a happy childhood and youth there. During World War II, she served in the RAF as an aircraft mechanic, where she met Norman Peter “Bob” James on the same crew. After the war, she trained in Early Childhood Education, and she and Bob were married in 1951. They spent many years travelling with postings at various RAF stations, finally settling in the beautiful Comox Valley in 1969.
June loved small children and will be remembered for setting up and running several daycare centres, including one for under 3 year olds and the Child Development Centre. She was a lifelong volunteer in many different capacities. She and Bob spent many happy hours at d’Esterre Seniors’ Centre in Comox, becoming life members. In later years, quilting became June’s passion, and she greatly enjoyed the company of her many quilting buddies.
Mum was a very dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by Bob, her husband of 64 years, her children Linda (John), Steve (Benita), Mike (Lynne), daughter-in-love Donna, grandchildren Lisa (Micah), Amy (Scott), Neil, Lindsey, Brittany (Justin), Briana (Mike), Brandon (Lacey), and great-grandchildren Josiah, Annalise and Jax.
The family would especially like to extend thanks to Dr. Susan Hunter for being an exceptional family doctor and friend. Thanks also to all June and Bob’s Berwick friends and staff for the 7 happy years Mum and Dad spent there, and much appreciation to the dedicated staff at the Comox Valley Seniors’ Village for all their kindness.
A Celebration of Life for June will be held in Comox May 28, 2016. Further details will be announced.
Say not in grief, “She is no more,” but live in thankfulness that she was.