James “Jim” John Graham
1960 - 2013
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jim Graham announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, October 31st, 2013, after a hard fought 3 year battle, then “co-existence”, with cancer. The family would like to pay special thanks to Dr. Lowden, Dr. O’Brien, Dr. Simons; oncology nurses Val, Dee, Tanya and Deb, as well as the many friends, relatives, co-workers and healthcare team members who contributed to Jim’s health and wellness.
Jim was predeceased by his father Bill (W.E.) Graham (February 2013), his mother Alice Graham (nee Frederickson) in 1997, and an infant sister, Alice in 1953. He is survived by his wife Lori (nee Kaun); children Amy (Kevin Dyer), Jacob (Joshua) and CJ (Sheena); grandchildren Brady and Lochlan Dyer; brother Bill Graham (Melanie), sisters: Helen (Dave Pistak), Margaurite (James Shaw), Bernice (Dale Wesche) and Betts (Brad Vanderhoek); as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and a large circle of friends.
Jim was born in Kamloops on February 4, 1960. The family moved to Cranbrook in 1968 where Jim forged friendships to last decades, and made the most of youth’s innocence. He was happily married over 32 years to his high school sweetheart. For the past 20 years, Jim spent much of his spare time transforming several unassuming acres of forest into a resort-like homestead for his family, friends, and pets to enjoy in any season. Always leading by example, rest and relaxation came when the job-at-hand was finished. Throughout his life, Jim looked forward to camping trips, skiing/snowboarding, slow-pitch, hockey, fishing and golfing with his best buds.
Showing an early interest in automobiles, teenage Jim started work at a tire shop and later in life he eventually became owner and operator of his own trucking business. Other employment included CFI, Optimistic Enterprises, and Fiorentino Brothers. When it came to equipment, if it had wheels he’d drive it and if it was broken he’d fix it (don’t ask how it broke). Nothing impressed Jim like a hard day’s work done without protest, and there was never a problem that couldn’t be solved by re-analyzing the situation after a beverage or two.
Jim was strong, confident, sincere and had a great sense of humour. He was the first to offer support when needed. His many nieces and nephews will remember the unconditional love directed at all those around him, as he was easily able to express the same love he had for his brother, sisters, and in-laws, albeit indirectly.
The unfathomable love Jim had for his family was clear through his actions. This past spring his energy was focused on providing for his loved ones: building a play set for his grandchildren and converting the pool into a maintenance-free deck for his loving wife. One of the many silver linings to Jim’s illness was the extra quality time it allowed him to spend with his precious little men, Brady and Lochlan. Jim’s quiet strength and subtle passion will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Cranbrook Alliance Church at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honour of Jim made to the Cranbrook Hospice Society or charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.
Condolences for the family can be offered at:
www.mcphersonfh.com