James Alexander McCurrach

MCCURRACH James Alexander October 13, 1924 - February 23, 2009After a wonderful, fulfilling life Jim peacefully slipped the surly bonds of earth to join his Sister Gladys, Son-in-law John, Granddaughter Jessica, and numerous family members and friends. Jim is survived by Pat, his Wife of 58 years, children Kathleen (Leigh), Rob (Petra), Susan, Vickie (Ron), his five Grandchildren, three great-grandsons, and Sister Peggy. Jim will be missed by his large extended family and the many friends he made along the way. Jim lived much of his life in North Vancouver, with the exception of the time he spent overseas during WWII with 6 Group RCAF Bomber Command and 3 years in Vernon as a novice Teacher. He returned to North Van with his young family in 1959, to take a position at Balmoral Jr. High where he taught metalwork until retirement in 1977. Jim and Pat lived in the family home until the Autumn of 2007, when health issues called for a move to the Summerhill Residence. There Jim thoroughly enjoyed partaking of all the amenities and camaraderie. Jim enjoyed a multitude of interests during his life. From an early age he built and flew model aircraft. This passion was a constant throughout his life, be it bicycling out to Vancouver Airport in the 30's, joining the Air Force in the 40's, running the Balmoral Balsa Bashers extra-curricular airplane club in the 60's and 70's, or continuing to the present day with the Riverside Flyers Club, which he helped found. When Jim wasn't busy with his family, flying or teaching, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, fishing, fixing (anything and everything), soccer, crosswords, music, and his many friends. He could be found most mornings walking his dog on Lonsdale. We would like to express our gratitude to the Doctors and Staff of Lions Gate Hospital for their care of Jim and his family during the last two weeks of his life. We will miss his love, guidance, stories, and his unique sense of humour. A memorial service will be held at Boal Funeral Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Jim's wishes were that Family and friends consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canuck Place.