William James (JIM) Kingsley
September 6, 1923 –
May 3, 2014
The family of Jim Kingsley Sr. sadly announce his passing at NRGH Palliative Care, after a short hospital stay.
Jim was pre-deceased by his wife Ruby in 2010 and by his daughter Joyce in 1971. He is survived by loving family: daughter Irene Maxwell, son Jim Kingsley (Cindy), grandchildren Brooke Maxwell (Jessica Hickman), Matt Kingsley (Deanne), Angie Webb (Randy), Ben Kingsley and great-grandson Brad Kingsley. Also surviving are his sister Mary Kingsley, many cousins, nieces and nephews, Jim Maxwell and special friend, Ada Johnston.
Jim was born at Wilson’s Nursing Home in Parksville into the Kingsley/Golding/Mills pioneer families. He attended school in Parksville and in Vancouver at Kitsilano Secondary. In 1940, he volunteered for the Navy and in 1944, qualified as a Paratrooper with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, serving overseas until the end of the war. Post-war, Jim apprenticed as a meat-cutter and went on to co-own Delta Cold Storage in Ladner for 20 years. He and Ruby
(née Clemence) were married in 1947 and lived their lives in Victoria, Ladner and Parksville.
Jim was an avid fisherman and an active volunteer in many sports and community organizations. He and Ruby enjoyed traveling to Paratrooper reunions across Canada and Europe, particularly Holland.
Jim was very fun-loving and social. He loved music and dancing, played a mean harmonica, gardened, canned & smoked wonderful salmon, told a good story and cherished visits, pictures and memories with family and many friends.
Miss you so much Dad – Rest In Peace.
Memorial Service will be held at the Parksville Legion, 146 West Hirst Avenue, on Sunday, May 25 from 2 – 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.