Obituary of Jim Coleman

Jimbo, Grandadio, Jimmy CocoPuff, Bubbalouie, Jimmy…no matter the name, each one spelled love.  It is with heartbreak, we announce the sudden passing of James (Jim) Peter Coleman, called to his next adventure on June 17, 2023. 

 

Jim was born in London, England on May 18, 1948 and emigrated to Canada at the tender age of 8 years with his parents, Jim and Joyce Coleman. Despite his youthful departure, he never forgot his English roots.  Return visits to the homeland, phone calls to aunts and uncles and holidays with cousins marked the depth of that attachment.

 

His life in Canada was one of gifted happiness.  After a successful career in business in Calgary, Jim retired to Fairmount Hot Springs and his second  beloved homeland of Columbia Lake. In his 20 years in the Columbia Valley, Jim epitomized the definition of “neighbour”.  A walk was not complete without being greeted by his booming voice, his bear hugs and his moustache kisses.  A bike ride not as much fun without his passing wave.  A day on the golf course not the same without a greeting from the “ambassador”.  And a summer day not as sunny without his party boat or smoker barbecues.

 

The core of the man, that which fuelled his life, lay in his devotion to family. His pride glowed with his cherished children, Neal (Janice) Coleman and Jillian Coleman, his gratitude to their mother, Lesley Coleman-Abel and his devotion was rooted in his beloved grandchildren Maggie, James and Alyson. Without question, his compass was his wife of 33 years, his heartbeat,  Mary Clare Coleman.

 

He was, and remains, the best of us, the soul we never lost, a part of all we loved the most. 

 

As per his wishes, there will be no formal service, your memories will suffice.  A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In Jim’s memory, donations can be made to support Invermere and District Hospital through the East Kootenay Foundation for Health at ekfh.ca.