Jim McPhail

McPhail, Jim (James N) August 24, 1923- January 22, 2009 Passed away in Dawson Creek B.C. after a long battle with Parkinsons. Predeceased by his wife Edna and son Barry he is survived by a daughter Sheena Casey (Chris), sons Michael McPhail (Jennifer) and Patrick McPhail, and five grandchildren Edward Casey, Stuart Casey, Rhyan Caven, Rachael McPhail and Roger McPhail. Jim was born in Lethbridge, Alberta attended elementary school in Olds Alberta and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1944. Saskatchewan but soon moved to Olds, Alberta where he completed his public schooling. Once he completed in 1939, he moved to Edmonton, Alberta to study towards a Commerce Degree which he completed in 1944. Jim articled with the firm Winspear Hamilton and Anderson Co. Chartered Accountants and received his CA designation in 1947. In 1948, Jim was offered a position managing Winspear's office in Dawson Creek, BC and eventually became a partner in the firm. In June of 1949 Jim became a member of BC Institute of Chartered Accountants. He was the President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce 1948-1951, Secretary of the original Dawson Creek Film Club and was helping bring to life the local Rotary service club. Jim married Edna Piper on December 24, 1951. He was offered and accepted a Partnership with Winspear in 1953. During his lifetime in Dawson Creek Jim served his community in various capacities and acted as an advocate for the seniors in his community to ensure the needs of seniors for accommodation were being met. Jim was honoured by Rotary with a Paul Harris Service award, by the Institute of Chartered Accountants with a fellowship giving him the designation CFA and shared Citizen of the year honours with his wife Edna. In 1978, Jim became District Governor of District 536 which, at the time covered an area from the Northwest Territories south to the US border including the Peace region of BC, as well as some clubs along the Saskatchewan Alberta border. Jim McPhail was a man of Passion, he firmly believed in a Just Society he summed up his membership with Rotary by quoting the founder of Rotary International: "If we work upon Marble -- It will Perish, If we work upon Brass---Time will efface it, If we rear temples---- They will crumble into Dust, But... If we work upon mortal minds, If we imbue them with the full meaning of the spirit of Rotary, the just fear of god and Love of our fellow man, We are engraving on these tablets something that will brighten all eternity". Jim will be greatly missed by his loving family and community. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dawson Creek Beautification Committee towards a park. A Celebration of Jim's Life was held on January 30, 2009 at the Rotary Manor Care Facility, Dawson Creek, BC.