March 9, 1930 – April 1, 2011
Jim passed away peacefully at The Gardens Care Home, less than three months after losing his loving wife, Edie. Born and raised in Vancouver, Jim graduated from McGee High School, and UBC in Commerce. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta and married his high school sweetheart, Edie in 1955. Jim began his career as a lumber broker with Cooper Widman in Toronto, transferring to Edmonton and finally back to Vancouver. Jim and Edie lived for many years in West Vancouver where they raised their three children. They semi-retired in Qualicum, where Jim realized his life-long dream of starting his own small lumber company, Fairway Lumber. In 2008, he survived a major stroke and worked hard to regain his speech and motor skills. He spent the last few years at The Gardens, where he experienced excellent care, and spent many happy days with Edie by his side.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Edith; his parents, James and Constance Loutit; his sister Kathleen Wilson, brother Gordon Loutit, and sister-in-law Norma Olson. His strong will and great spirit will be missed by his children, Christie Drewbrook (Cecil), Nance McDougall (Brent) and Jamie Loutit (Sandy); his grandchildren, Connie, Leah, Fiona, Josie, Alden and Rowan, along with his sister-in-law, Diane Loutit and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many long-time close friends.
Jim was an avid skier and a lifetime member of the Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club, where he coached children in the Nancy Greene Ski League program for many years. He shared his passion for the mountains with close friends and had many fond memories of their annual ski holidays together. He belonged to Seymour, Eaglecrest and Pheasant Glen Golf Clubs, where he developed many friendships with fellow golfers. The J & E Classic Golf Tournament was an annual event that everyone always looked forward to attending. He was involved in the Probus Club in Qualicum. His love of sports included basketball, badminton, handball, racquetball, skiing, fishing, hiking and golfing and he passed along these passions to his children and grandchildren. Big Jim, you will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice.
Memorial Service, Sunday, April 17th at St. Stephen’s United Church, Qualicum Beach at 1:30pm.
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.