Joan E. James

1936 - 2024

Joan was a devoted wife to Bob, a caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was always there when we needed her. She was born and raised in Vegreville Alberta where her father was a farmer. Her mother died when she was three, so early life was not always easy. Her special Aunty Edna raised her along with her children Marilyn and Bill who became her siblings. She also had many cousins that were dear to her whom she spent a great deal of time with throughout her life. In 1953 she attended SAIT in Calgary to study Clothing and Design. It was there she met Bob. They were married in 1956 shortly after graduation. In 1964 they moved to Vancouver with their three children in tow. She began teaching sewing at night school where she met her future business partner Gerry Steele. While mom taught sewing in the basement of our home, Gerry sold fabric from hers. In 1970 they opened the first Stretch and Sew fabric store in Coquitlam. They were true pioneers in their field. A second location was later opened in Surrey. In 1974 Bob was transferred to Victoria so off they went. She continued with her sewing, quilting, smocking, needlework and knitting, there was simply nothing she could not make. The summers were spent at the family cabin at Wood Lake where she entertained endless numbers of friends and family. Her greatest joy was when her grandchildren were there with her. She spoiled them by making french toast with peaches, and warming up their towels for the evening swim. Bob and Joan enjoyed traveling where they saw much of the world. She was generous, helpful and there was always room for one more at the dinner table.

A gathering will be held at Highland Pacific Golf Course on April 27th from 1-4. Please drop by and celebrate her life alongside her children, Brian, Brenda (Ireland), Pam (Plasterer), their spouses, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.