Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Currie Obituary
James Edward Currie, beloved husband, father, grandfather, role model and valued member of the community, passed away on July 6, 2024, in Victoria, British Columbia. Born on May 14, 1930, in Vancouver, Jim lived a full life filled with love and dedication to his family and community.
Jim, predeceased by his sister Marion, is survived by his adored and loving wife of 67 years, Helen, and his children, Eileen (Greg), Lisa (Herb), and Ian (Jas). His love and guidance extended to his grandchildren, Kyle (Lauren), Kevin (Christa), Ryan, Jayne (Matt), Nicolas (Larisa), James, Sean, and Neil, and great-grandchildren Parker and Caden.
Jim, with degrees from UBC and McMaster University, served for many years as an Executive Administrator at the University of Victoria.
In addition to his professional and personal pursuits, Jim was an active member of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce (President 1986), the Victoria-Morioka Friendship Society, the Victoria Art Gallery, the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society, the Piers Island Improvement District, the Victoria Natural History Society and the Saltire Society.
His love for history, learning and adventure was evident in all aspects of his life. Jim had a deep connection to the natural world where he hiked, skied, camped and boated with his family. He found inspiration in the great outdoors, and in his beautiful garden. His love for travel allowed him to explore and appreciate the beauty and cultures of the world. He was also a skilled craftsman and found satisfaction in expressing himself through many creative and artistic endeavours.
A man of remarkable strength and endurance, Jim was also a marathon runner, demonstrating his lifetime commitment to pushing his limits and embracing life's challenges with unwavering determination.
Jim's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His memory will be cherished forever by his family and friends. To celebrate his life there will be a family gathering at the cabin he built on Piers Island.
Memories and Condolences
for James Currie
15 Entries
Shari Yore
July 30, 2024
To the Currie Family,
Larry and I recall our UVic times with Jim in various capacities over the years. Always a gentleman, good to work with ... loved seeing that mischievous twinkle in his eyes!
Back in 1971, Jim broke the bureaucratic logjam for me when, as a landed immigrant, I applied for an admin position at UVic. But I couldn't get a work permit from the feds (different immigration rules back then!) without a job, and I couldn't get a job offer without a work permit! Jim wrote and signed the letter that said, albeit prematurely, I had the job. Over the years, I (mostly) thanked him for that opportunity.
Our sincere condolences to Helen and family as you mourn Jim's passing.
Shari Yore
Sandra McCallum
July 24, 2024
David and I remember Jim from U>Vic, He was thoughtful, strong and kind. He will be missed.
Linda Kitchen
July 23, 2024
Helen - I was saddened to hear of Jim´s passing - Dave & I send our condolences to you & your family - I always enjoyed working with Jim on the Board and as a President of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce!
Jill Weldon
July 23, 2024
To Eileen, and to your family,
I am very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing - a man of so many many talents and passions! For me, Mr Currie, as I knew him, was a great support and a kind resource while I worked at BCFC.
Shirley Small
July 22, 2024
So sorry to hear of Jim´s passing, my thoughts are with you and your Family
Kathleen Tregaskes
July 21, 2024
To the Currie Family my condolences at the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
What an exceptional life!
Love Kathleen
A special hug to my dear friend Eileen .
Liz Wharf
July 21, 2024
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Currie´s passing and it brought back memories of working for him in the president´s office at UVic.
He was a kind, fair and considerate boss for whom I had the greatest of respect. My condolences to his family.
Kerry Wilson
July 21, 2024
Dear Eileen and family.
We are very sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a lovely man of many talents and we know he has provided you with a lifetime of great memories.
With love and tears,
Kerry and Cathy
Lisa
July 20, 2024
Love you forever and a day!
Rocky McCann
July 20, 2024
To Helen, Eileen, Lisa, Ian and families.
The news of Jim´s passing was a great shock to both Ann and me,
Jim was an important fiqure in my youth. He was the first member of our family to go to university and I know that the entire McCann clan (Forsyths, Grubbs, Johnsons, Wrights, McCanns) were deeply impressed by that achievement. It showed that the potential transition of the family to a better standard of living was possible. My father always held Jim out as an example of what could be achieved. In 1967 I was accepted by UBC and Jim and Helen graciously allowed me to stay with them and their family for the first year. That was pivotal in getting me off to a good start at UBC. Simple things like dinner conversations were always interesting, covered a wide range of topics and Jim always encouraged me to explore things deeper. If it wasn´t for Jim and Helen, I doubt I would have ever made it through first year, let alone graduated from UBC.
Both Jim and I were interested in our family history and Jim spent a lot of time researching our family tree. Around 2013 Jim was trying to track down some birth details for our grandmother Sadie McCann. Jim had both Merrily McCann and me going through the old records that we each had, making copies and sending them to him. At the same time we also had a lot of emails about his family cabin on Pierce Island and our cabin on Takla Lake.
Unfortunately everyone gets busy and I lost track of Jim around 2015. Never stopped thinking of the Currie´s but his email at UVic no longer was active and I could no longer shoot him an email. Every now and then I would try and reconnect but somehow that wasn´t in the cards. Then in April of this year I contacted Pat Grubb to find out if he had a new email address for Jim and he did, but even better, he had a phone number. This enabled me to phone Jim and have a great conversation with both Jim and Helen.
I owe Jim and Helen a lot and will never be able to repay the debt. I am glad I manage to talk to Jim in April. I am sad to hear of his passing.
Rocky and Ann McCann and family.
Drs. Brian and Mimi Harvey, Seattle WA
July 20, 2024
Jim was a thoughtful, ethical, and generous person. I spent many lunch hours running with Jim from UVic (along with David Glenn and Rob Rusted). We all agreed that our pace should be just fast enough so that we could carry on a conversation; and Jim was our lead conversationalist. What fond memories---especially of our "carbon-loading" pasta before the 1980 Vancouver marathon. Getting to know Helen was a bonus of getting to know Jim.
Jody Aylard
July 20, 2024
To the Currie family I send my sincere sympathies. My connection with your family goes back to the Experiment in International Living. When I was young, we were a host family for one of the Japanese visitors and I think your dad had a coordinating role in the program through UVic. That must have been about 50+ years ago. This sparked a lifelong interest in language study for me. Later, Eileen and I were at UVic at the same time in the Economics program. Even though our paths have not crossed in recent years, that international experience had a lifelong impact on me. May you find comfort in the love of friends and family and in the many happy memories you share.
Bob and Pat Forsyth & family
July 20, 2024
Dear Helen, Eileen, Lisa, Ian and families,
Our deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jim. He leaves behind so many wonderful memories, which will bring all of you comfort during this difficult time. Wishing you all peace and comfort in the days ahead. Those who live in our memories are never truly gone.
Love, Bob (Robert) and Pat Forsyth & family
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results