James Cross

CROSS, James DFC Jim was born in Ottawa on April 6, 1922. He spent most of his youth on family farms in Saskatchewan and Ontario. At fifteen he acquired his first bicycle, and for the next two years, he rode seven miles to high school through the Northumberland hills. In winter he travelled by horse and cutter. He enrolled at McMaster University in 1940. His studies were interrupted by enlistment in the RCAF where he became a navigator on Halifax bombers. He did 31 trips on enemy targets and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He completed his education after discharge acquiring an honours degree in history in 1947. Upon graduation, he received the Chancellor's Gold Medal for being "the outstanding scholar and leader of the graduating class." He joined the federal public service and began his career as a researcher in the Special Branch of the RCMP. This was followed by nearly five years as a speechwriter for Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. The remaining years were with the Immigration branch, where he focused on policy, program development and legislation. On retirement, he moved to Victoria. He served as a liturgical assistant at St. Luke's Church for more than 30 years. Jim was predeceased by beloved wife Helen, a cherished sister Alison and brother Richard, still a preschooler when Jim left for the war in Europe. He is survived by his cousins Barbara and Nancy; sister-in-law Mary, whom he considered the best family import; niece and nephews (Laurie, David, Andrew and Bruce) and his loving daughter Alison, who will be ever grateful for their weekends together at the pool and on the ski hills. "Dad - you did it all so well. I will miss you, your kindness, and your humour. " A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 5, 2018, at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.