Obituary of James William Foulkes

Jim was more than our Dad — he was our strength, our protector, our teacher, our leader, our coach, and most of all, our hero.

Born in Kimberley April 10^th, 1948, Dad spent his entire life in the community he loved. He and Mom raised us to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient women. Their first date was February 13^th, 1971 and they were married later that year on October 9^th. In 2021, we had the joy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a special family trip to Victoria — a memory we will always treasure.

Dad began his career with Cominco working in the central shops and then continued in 1966 at the Sullivan Mine. In 1971, he completed his first trade certification and apprenticeship as a machinist. After many years at the mine, he furthered his training and received his millwright certification in 1990. He remained at the mine until its closure in 2001. We remember fondly how every winter he would host a year-end gathering with his crew — a testament to the respect and admiration he earned. From 2001 until 2015, Dad continued working shutdowns around the world, including one in Argentina in 2008. Dad was a master of all trades — there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build, fix, or repair. We are so grateful and honoured to have had him as our father and are privileged to carry with us countless cherished memories.

An active and passionate sportsman, Dad played fastball from the age of 19 until he was 52 — it was his greatest athletic love. He was a long-time member of the Kimberley Golf Club — our family shared our final round of golf with him just last year. Alongside Mom, he curled at the Kimberley Curling Club until 2017, when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He was also an avid hunter, spending many seasons at the family cabin up Findlay Creek. He served as president of the local trap and skeet club and was a proud member of the St. Mary’s Fly-Fishers.  Over the past 20 years, Dad and Mom found their happy place at Premier Lake, camping and fishing. They spent spring and fall in their trailer, living lakeside, embracing the company of friends and family, and passing countless joyful hours in the boat, fishing together.

In 1996, Dad became a grandfather — a role he valued deeply. For Baylie, Keagen, and Aidan, he was the same strong, quiet and witty presence he had always been for us: a role model, a supporter, and someone deeply adored. He and Mom never missed a game or event, always showing up with pride and quiet encouragement. Dad’s love made each of us better people.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Diane; daughters Shawna and Sheri (Aryn); grandchildren Baylie (Russ), Keagen, and Aidan; twin brother Jack; nieces Kathryn (Jenny), Lauren (Elise) and their children August and Gia; nephew Joel; sister-in-law Cheryl Orr; nephew Michael (Rebecca and family).

He was predeceased by his parents; Bob (1975) and Mary (2004); and niece Tracy Orr (2013)

Thank you to Dr. VanZyl and Dr. Pont for their special care of Dad.

 Our family will be having a private celebration of life for Dad at a later date.