James Arthur Peacock

As anyone who knew Jim Peacock would have expected, our dad wrote his own obituary. At least we think it’s his obituary as the file is titled ‘Jim P Obit,’ but it’s formatted as a press release, including the -30- to indicate he’s done, it’s over. Both are true. So, as he wished, we are publishing his words as he wrote them:

JAMES A. (JIM) PEACOCK

October 17, 1931—January 24, 2025

After a long and productive life that included nearly 67 years as the husband of D. Jean Hembree and more than 50 years as a resident of Port Moody, B.C., James Arthur (Jim) Peacock has died at age 93. Predeceased by Jean on September 19, 2018, survivors include three daughters: Virginia (her late husband, Lance Balcom); Kerry; and Peggi (Phil Jones); and four grandchildren: Bryce Balcom (Lisa Jorgensen) Keegan Balcom (Wes Lawrence), Hal Jones and Zoey Jones.

Jim was a journalist for 15 years before becoming a communications consultant. During the latter career he served with agencies founded by Michael O’Brien and George MacFarlane, worked in the public affairs departments of MacMillan Bloedel, at the time Canada’s largest forest company, and B.C. Tel (now TELUS). He owned and operated Peacock Public Relations from March 1980 until it was closed in 2004.

Jim served in many voluntary organizations, ranging from the Variety Club to the Capital Campaign Committee of SCIENCE WORLD British Columbia and the Port Moody Foundation.

Born and raised in Alberta, he began a journalism career with the Calgary Herald, spent 13 years with The Canadian Press (CP) news wire service as a reporter and editor, with postings in Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver and New York. In 1964, he returned to Vancouver where he became assistant business editor of the Vancouver Sun before entering the public relations field with O’Brien Consultants Ltd. in Vancouver in 1965.

After seven years with O'Brien, where principal accounts included BC Tel, he spent five years as manager, special communications projects, MacMillan Bloedel, and later was Director, Public Affairs, BC Tel.

During his years with Peacock Public Relations, Jim was responsible for the preparation and implementation of strategic communications programs for several major energy projects, property development proponents and a host of other accounts.

Clients ranged from McDonald's Restaurants of Canada to BC Tel, B.C. Hydro, SCIENCE WORLD British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the Marshall McLuhan Distinguished Teacher Awards program, Celgar Pulp Co., the B.C. Cancer Agency, Montenay Inc., Chevron Canada, Vancouver Community Association Presidents, Vancouver Foundation and the 2000 Judicial Compensation Committee.

He is the author and publisher of three books—a memoir entitled Remember the Good Times, published in 2019, Fun With Words, the ABC’s of Heteronyms and Homonyms, and Hey Mr Bear, the latter two illustrated by his good friend Dawn Mattson.

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Jim Peacock will be remembered for his soft-spoken words and the weight they carried. He will be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at some point in the future. If you’d like to receive details when they are available, please send an email to [email protected] or reach out to Peggi, Kerry or Virginia.

The celebration will be live streamed on Facebook for those who are unable to attend.

Donations in Dad’s memory can be made to Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation (ERHF.ca)