James Stevenson
September 15, 1943 – October 8, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce Jim Stevenson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his girls.
Born in Toronto on September 15, 1943. Predeceased by his loving brothers: John, Bob, and Billy and survived by David. Beloved husband of Wendy and caring father to Jennifer, Amy, Sally and Lindsay. Devoted grandfather (Bopa) of Lowell, Owen, Avery & Carlin.
Jim proudly taught Geography in Toronto for 35 years, retiring from Malvern Collegiate. He led a full life guided by the principles of social responsibility, integrity, and commitment to the community that left a lasting imprint.
In 1998 Jim and Wendy moved to Victoria and began an adventure of a lifetime. Jim loved exploring BC with his pals; climbing mountains, cycling trails and engaging in nature. He especially loved his Sunday “Church of the Holy Forest” hikes with Wendy and friends, always followed by a picnic. When the golf course challenged him on any day, he would say “I didn’t play very well, but oh my, it was so beautiful and I had such fun.”
A few of Jim’s amusements included dinner bridge with wine and Saturday crosswords with coffee. Deep singing was especially meaningful to him as his glioblastoma progressed. His most cherished moments were when he was surrounded by family, laughing and playing games.
Jim was adored by family and many friends. His laughter, joy and smile lit up every room. In every way he was a blessing in our lives. A stabilizing force that leaves us with a legacy of living life with gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness for someone in need or a donation to your local food bank in Jim’s name. A celebration of Jim’s life will be planned at a later date.
News of Jim’s passing cam by way of a mutual friend (Mark Stanley) Together with many other men we delved into the ‘male experience’ together. Jim’s character and gracious spirit was always appreciated; we learned so much from him and valued his insights.
Some years ago Jim and I were on our way home back from a men’s circle and were biking together over the Selkirk Trestle bridge when Jim suddenly stopped and gazed at our surroundings for a few minutes. Wondering why we had stopped moving, I asked him what he was looking at and he explained that he had been reading a book about mindfulness and he was practicing taking a moment to stop and acknowledge his surroundings with gratitude. I looked around with him and it was so beautiful; it was a precious and learning moment for me–I realized then why so often when I met him I would see a smile and an enthusiastic look on his face. Now, I often stop and look at my surroundings with appreciation, remembering with gratitude that moment with Jim on the bridge.
I recognized that lovely face in Sunday’s obits and immediately my heart warmed.I knew James when he was working at Medex fitness years ago.His integrity and gentle humor were so welcome.My condolences to you,his family on the great loss of him in your lives.Connie MacDonald,James Bay
Wendy. Are thoughts are with you.
We are also thinking of your girls and Grandchildren. We will miss Jim and his warm smile. Always so HAPPY! We felt bad that we were so far away. Hope to see you in Dec or Jan.
Love Bob and Suzan
Wendy
Ken and I really enjoyed getting to know Jim at Zhiua. Thinking of you at this hard time and so glad he had all of his family with him.
So lucky to have met Jim through Newcomers golf upon arrival in Victoria. Our friendship moved to the bridge table. We have great memories of all the good times at the bridge table with you and Jim. Lots of laughs. So sorry for your loss.
Lorraine & David
My heart was warmed reading your comments about Jim. I miss him ………terribly.
I met Jim through his friend Richard Adams, and all of us are members of The Eccentrics, which is a local hiking group. Jim and I enjoyed many interesting conversations on the trail. He was an interesting man who loved the outdoors, and we will miss him.
Wendy, very sorry to read of Jim. I remember him well from U of T. Best wishes to you and your family. Paul ( from Tom Verny days )
Our deepest condolences to Wendy and family. Jim was such a kind and sweet man. Always a gentleman. Bob and I loved his wonderful sense of fun.
We will miss his generous spirit and friendly, welcoming way.
We were so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. What a sweet man Jim was. The consumate host, he made every guest feel welcomed and loved. Jim’s quiet dignity came with an enormous sense of fun, and Sigurd and I remember so many versions of Jim – the Las Vegas player, the surfer dude, the Out of Africa explorer and the kindest Bridge player anywhere. Jim has left a legacy of a beautiful family. May he rest in well-deserved peace.
I am so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I had the great pleasure of working with Jim for many years at Custom First Aid! We appreciated Jim immensely. He was a wonderful co worker a fabulous presenter and educator… and a great big warm smile for all of our customers… many of whom came by especially for just that!
I am sending a big hug to Wendy and to Jim’s whole family!
Thinking of all of you and fondly remembering Jim
Carrie Greschner
My experience of Jim was mainly through Monday evening bridge during our 14 years in Victoria but I too feel the loss of this fine man and his quiet, unfailing good nature.
Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
We worked together as lifeguards and swim instructors during the 60s and also were football teammates at Victoria College.
Jim was always a great team and work mate…reliable, dedicated … and always very funny!
He always looked like he was about to burst into laughter, at some joke or amusing situation he was remembering.
We enjoyed wonderful times together.
His move to Victoria was entirely consistent with his love of the outdoors; I’m sure he thrived there.
Rest In Peace, Jim
Riley
Jim was among the very first to befriend me when I moved to Victoria eight years ago. His genuine warmth and irrepressible good nature came to make me feel that we had been friends for a much longer time. We shared careers spent in education and our youthful participation in sports. We enjoyed remaining active and spent many glorious days hiking, cycling and walking in and around our beautiful part of the world. I treasure every moment I was able to spend with this kind and gentle friend, and I will miss him always.
Judy and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Wendy, their daughters and grandchildren.
We will never be able to go for a hike around Elk/Beaver Lake without envisioning James , leaping out of the car with his broad smile and enthusiastically throwing his day pack over his shoulder brimming with edible goodies to be shared at , what seemed to be , our personal picnic table to be found at the mid point in our walk.
Happy memories of time spent with a wonderful guy and his loving wife , Wendy !
May you Rest In Peace James , and now our thoughts rest with those who are left behind, with Wendy and the family during this difficult time.
Jim was such an angel in this live. His kindness touched so many and his sense of curiosity lead him to many unusual relationships. I am so grateful to Jim for his friendship with my husband Jac.
My image of him singing and absorbing all the love from all the singers will always be full of light and love. He is light and love!
Blessings to you Wendy and the girls. He lives on in each of you!
Remembering a sweet and kind man, a gracious host, with a ready smile. Wendy’s beloved. I’m grateful to have sung with him. Such a loss.
Indeed, Jim’s smile and warm character put us all in a better space! He blessed all of our lives.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great guy. RIP
Oh no. Way too soon. The best to Wendy. RIP Jim
Jim and Wendy made a unique contribution during their time in Zihua. Jim will be missed. We hope Wendy will return soon.
My amigo Jim, has left me with a heavy heart. I’ll always remember him wearing his orange T-shirt and red shorts with a red bandanna covering his head as he enjoyed the Mexican sunshine. His smile was broader than La Ropa beach. He was a man who made you feel comfortable. He made you feel good about yourself. We have lost a kind soul. Thank you for having come into my life. You will be missed. Don’t you worry about Wendy…I’m here for her.
xoxoAnne
Rest in peace Jim. You’re a sweet man who deserves the happy life you led. We will all miss you dearly.