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James Marshall Obituary
MARSHALL, James "Jim"
September 20, 1954 - September 6, 2025
It is with immense heartbreak that we share the passing of 'the violin man', James "Jim" Marshall on September 6th, 2025. He was surrounded by some of his favourite care team staff, and loving family, on a sunny afternoon.
Dad was cruelly diagnosed with MS at the age of only 36 years. This disease robbed dad of so much, including his previous physical capabilities and elements of his personality, but he strived to keep up with his woodworking. Projects began to decrease in size, shifting from building entire homes, to discovering what he could build whilst sitting at his workbench. This led dad to requesting plans for a violin template from Stradivarius, so that he could teach himself how to build such an instrument. And did he teach himself! Dad built multiple violins of different configurations and wood type, and we were treated to the Vancouver Island Symphony playing his creations in our family's living room, on multiple occasions. When building was no longer an option, dad turned his attention to painting and was a regular attendee of the Mt. St. Mary's Friday art classes.
Jim was predeceased by his sister, Roberta; brother, Ewan; father, James; and long-time best buddy, Rob Hunter. He is survived by his adored, mum, Jean; his siblings, Debbie, Scott, Julie, Sandra, Lesley and David; his children, Shiona (Michael) and Iain (Katy); and grandchildren, Faerin, Kellan, Naidìe and Tulah.
Iain and Shiona will forever remember Dad's corner kicks, his camcorder, playing hockey and tennis in the driveway, listening to The Rolling Stones, the warmth as Dad lit up whenever they walked into his room to visit, his love of drinking coffee that by every estimation was too hot, his random TV show recommendations, his 'chocolate stash' drawer, lounging in the sun alongside him, and his reminiscing of good times.
Jim will be remembered by all who knew him for his wit, intelligence, stubbornness, innate artistry, habitual sunbathing, love of both Ford trucks and classic rock, and his fantastic smile. He is deeply missed by his children and grandchildren. We are grateful that despite his limitations, especially in his final year, dad found fulfillment surrounded by those who truly cared for him.
Jim's family expresses gratitude to the legions of care team staff who supported dad over the years, notably dad's favourites: Venantie, Tom, Polly, Gary and Allan; the entire nursing staff complement, especially: Norwill, Angela, Hope and Viv; "Dr. Zach"; Lise at the Seating Clinic; his compassionate social worker; and the astounding OTs, who have been with dad through thick and thin. Your compassion meant everything to him, and his kids will continue to find humour and pride in knowing that dad is regarded as "A Legend".
Dad: We are glad that you are pain-free after enduring such a cruel disease for so long, and we take comfort in knowing that you're somewhere peaceful, perhaps even running and kicking a football great lengths. We hope that wherever you are, the salmon has been pinboned, the green grapes perfectly ripened, and an unlimited supply of excellent coffee and warm sunshine abounds. And when it comes time to rest, maybe, you've found "just one more pillow".
We love you, Dad.
There will be no service by Jim's request, but if friends so wish, please consider donating to the MS Society of Canada.
September 20, 1954 - September 6, 2025
It is with immense heartbreak that we share the passing of 'the violin man', James "Jim" Marshall on September 6th, 2025. He was surrounded by some of his favourite care team staff, and loving family, on a sunny afternoon.
Dad was cruelly diagnosed with MS at the age of only 36 years. This disease robbed dad of so much, including his previous physical capabilities and elements of his personality, but he strived to keep up with his woodworking. Projects began to decrease in size, shifting from building entire homes, to discovering what he could build whilst sitting at his workbench. This led dad to requesting plans for a violin template from Stradivarius, so that he could teach himself how to build such an instrument. And did he teach himself! Dad built multiple violins of different configurations and wood type, and we were treated to the Vancouver Island Symphony playing his creations in our family's living room, on multiple occasions. When building was no longer an option, dad turned his attention to painting and was a regular attendee of the Mt. St. Mary's Friday art classes.
Jim was predeceased by his sister, Roberta; brother, Ewan; father, James; and long-time best buddy, Rob Hunter. He is survived by his adored, mum, Jean; his siblings, Debbie, Scott, Julie, Sandra, Lesley and David; his children, Shiona (Michael) and Iain (Katy); and grandchildren, Faerin, Kellan, Naidìe and Tulah.
Iain and Shiona will forever remember Dad's corner kicks, his camcorder, playing hockey and tennis in the driveway, listening to The Rolling Stones, the warmth as Dad lit up whenever they walked into his room to visit, his love of drinking coffee that by every estimation was too hot, his random TV show recommendations, his 'chocolate stash' drawer, lounging in the sun alongside him, and his reminiscing of good times.
Jim will be remembered by all who knew him for his wit, intelligence, stubbornness, innate artistry, habitual sunbathing, love of both Ford trucks and classic rock, and his fantastic smile. He is deeply missed by his children and grandchildren. We are grateful that despite his limitations, especially in his final year, dad found fulfillment surrounded by those who truly cared for him.
Jim's family expresses gratitude to the legions of care team staff who supported dad over the years, notably dad's favourites: Venantie, Tom, Polly, Gary and Allan; the entire nursing staff complement, especially: Norwill, Angela, Hope and Viv; "Dr. Zach"; Lise at the Seating Clinic; his compassionate social worker; and the astounding OTs, who have been with dad through thick and thin. Your compassion meant everything to him, and his kids will continue to find humour and pride in knowing that dad is regarded as "A Legend".
Dad: We are glad that you are pain-free after enduring such a cruel disease for so long, and we take comfort in knowing that you're somewhere peaceful, perhaps even running and kicking a football great lengths. We hope that wherever you are, the salmon has been pinboned, the green grapes perfectly ripened, and an unlimited supply of excellent coffee and warm sunshine abounds. And when it comes time to rest, maybe, you've found "just one more pillow".
We love you, Dad.
There will be no service by Jim's request, but if friends so wish, please consider donating to the MS Society of Canada.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Sep. 20 to Sep. 22, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for James Marshall
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
1 Entry
Sara
September 20, 2025
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. My thoughts are with you Shiona and Michael and Ian and Katy and kids. Shiona I loved hearing your weekly dad stories and I´m so happy you have all those memories to cherish forever. Sending all my love and hugs.
Sara
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