James Vernon Patrick Aplin

James Aplin, 57, of Nanaimo, British Columbia passed away unexpectedly on the late evening of October 2nd, 2025, leaving a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends and a host of others. He was kind and generous to a fault.

Born on December 15, 1967, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, James was the loving son of Irene and Bob Aplin. He grew up with a passion for the outdoors, exploring nature, fishing and adventure. He spent many hours with his father sharing their time with woodworking.

James attended Windsor Park Collegiate and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate Division where he made many friends. He was known for his sense of humour and anything military. His father contributed his military interests beginning with a Christmas gift he made of a carefully-crafted military diorama along with a number of the famous British-made Dinky Toys popular at the time. James said, even in adulthood, that it was his all time favourite gift. It is interesting to note that he carefully collected his Dinky Toys and took them with him when he moved into an apartment with friends.

After completing high school and as the last summer before James’ working life arrived, his father suggested that he join local military reserves, joking that he would get to go camping, learn how to handle weapons, and not have to worry about clothing style because everybody dressed the same. Unexpectedly he jumped at the opportunity.

Known as AP to many of his army buddies, James was proud of his military service and even while dealing with his own struggles, was a constant support to those around him who had difficulties post-deployment or generally in life. A dedicated armoured and reconnaissance soldier, he first enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces in October 1985, initially serving in Petawawa, ON. His service included a full tour in West Germany at the end of the Cold War with his first regiment, the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's). There, he served on every recce soldier's beloved Lynx and on the Leopard C1 Main Battle Tank. He later deployed in the 1990's to Bosnia in the Tow Anti-Tank Missile Troop with Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Returning from this dangerous tour, he continued to soldier in Edmonton until his honourable release in January 2005.

In his early army days, AP was known as a hard charger with a bit of a temper but was always ready for a beer and a laugh. As he matured through life, he was frequently known to his teams as Papa Bear and acted as big brother and mentor to more junior leaders. He spent the last 12 years from Fall 2013 working as a Security Supervisor in the Fort McMurray oilsands. He continued to lead with empathy and maintained life long friendships with many of his brothers-in-arms.

James was predeceased by his mother, Irene (who sadly passed in 1989) and is survived by his life partner, Megan, his father, Bob, and step-mother Candace, and his sister, Christine. James was the loving father of, and is also survived by, his five children, Melanie (Nikki), Kyle (Kelsey, and children, Rylie, Deacon and Jace), Katelyn (Alec and children, Greyson and Dawson), Emily and Sara (Brody) who have all come together at this time and assumed an incredible amount of freely given responsibility.

I am taking this opportunity to express our family’s most profound appreciation to Fred Maurette, James’ friend (of 38 years) and former boss who has been so kind as to lead us through this most difficult journey. His knowledge and understanding has been nothing short of incredible.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 from 1:00 - 3:00 @ #256 Legion (1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo).