April 14, 2021
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of James (Jim) Smith from cancer at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on April 14th at the age of 81 years. Jim was a beloved husband, father, brother, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend to many. Once the cancer became aggressive, Jim passed quickly and peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Jim was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Frank & Sadie Smith and shared his childhood with his beautiful sisters Sheila, Natalie & Diane. He still considered Nova Scotia and especially Cape Breton his home and treasured his visits to see Sheila, Shelia Lynn and John.
Jim joined the RCAF in 1956 and retired in 1992. Throughout his career he was stationed in Moose Jaw, Germany, Portage La Prairie and Cold Lake before making Comox his home.
Jim spent his retirement years enjoying the gift of having more time for fishing, playing his guitar, volunteering at TeePee Park, socializing with his many friends at the Comox Legion & 888 Wing, travelling and visiting with family.
Jim had the good fortune of having more than one wife in his lifetime and was proud of how well his extended families blended. Jim deeply loved the 4 children he had with his first wife (Joyce), son Dale, (granddaughter Sammy & great grandchildren Paige, Aiden & Macey and stepdaughter Renee), daughter Tara ( grandson Myles), daughter Cammie, (grandson Dustin), Son Corey (daughter in law Tina), (grandson Jaxson & granddaughter Janelle)
Jim is survived by his former wife Lil Smith and his stepsons Francis (wife Jane) and Richard (granddaughter Julia), granddaughters Tara & Tracy and stepdaughter Carole (deceased).
Jim happily spent the last 7 years with his best friend and soulmate Rhoda Metcalf and adding Rhoda's daughter Jennifer (husband Charlie), sons; Jimmy & Jeffery to his extended family.
Jim's family would like to extend their gratitude to the amazing Medical staff that cared for him during his last few days at the North Island & Royal Jubilee Hospitals. The Celebration of Life that Jim deserves will take place once it's safe to do so. In lieu of flowers or donations please do something nice for a friend or stranger in memory of Jim.