It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Ogilvie, loving husband, father, grandfather, leader, mentor and friend. Jim passed away in the early evening hours of August 24th. Jim is survived by his loving wife Gail, his children Darrel and Deborah, and his grandchildren Kennedy and Graham, as well as countless others that were privileged to call him a friend.
Jim was born on June 3, 1936 in Kimberley moving away from Kimberley to join the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served as a Radar Technician, and became interested in electronics. Upon completing his military service, Jim enrolled at UBC to further his knowledge in this field. On June 4th, 1960 Jim and Gail Ohnstad were married in Kimberley where they settled down and bought a home in Marysville. Three short years later Jim and Gail were blessed with their first child Darrel, and three years later with their daughter Deborah. During this period Jim worked at Cominco and then the Skookumchuck Pulp Mill. Jim started his service in Public Office in 1964 as an Alderman on the Marysville City Council where he served for three years. The Township of Marysville amalgamated with the City of Kimberley during this stretch and in 1972 Jim ran for Mayor of Kimberley. Jim was successful in his bid for Mayor where he served for another 36 years. In 1972 Jim became a community businessman when he opened Alpine Communications in Marysville. Jim also served on the following committees and councils: Chair of the Association of Kootenay Boundary Pollution Committee 1968-1972; Vice President, President and past President of the Kootenay Boundary Municipalities Association 1973-1976; Executive Member of Union of BC Municipalities (president 1979-1980)1976-1985; Chair of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Natural Resource Task Force 1988-1993; Chair of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Task Force on Economy and Sustainability; Local Government Spokesperson at the East Kootenay Core Table; Board Member Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia 1994-2002; Chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay 1994-2002; Chair of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital District 1994-2002; Chair of the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee 1997-2002.
Jim dedicated most of his adult life to public service and was recognized in 2012 with the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal for those who have made significant contributions to Canada, to their community or to their fellow Canadians. Again in 2012 Jim was named into the Order of BC for his long term service with the greatest distinction and excellence, and outstanding positive influence to the people of British Columbia. Recently Jim was honoured by the City of Kimberley when the Fertilizer Road between Kimberley and Marysville was renamed Jim Ogilvie Way.
Despite all of his dedicated community service, Jim was a real family man. He enjoyed camping, fishing and motor biking with his family and friends. He loved to play cards, poker and games with his family and friends. Golf was also a true passion for Jim and something that gave him great pleasure over the years. It was a rare weekend not to find Jim out on one of the many local golf courses.
Many of Jim’s happiest times were spent with his very special group of friends that called themselves, “The joined at the hip gang.” There wasn’t an event or celebration that this group did not spend together. Jim could not have asked for a better group of friends than this. If you were fortunate enough to have called Jim your friend you would know how fiercely loyal and truly selfless he was. Jim will be deeply missed by many.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West.
A Service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 29, 2014 at the Kimberley Conference Centre located at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Lung Association.