Ernest James (Jim) Mansley

Jim was born April 18th, 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He began his near 20-year career at the Bank of Montreal in the early 60’s, ending as Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking. In 1979 began a new career in residential real estate, where he soon became an institution in North Delta and Surrey neighbourhoods.

As an avid outdoorsman, sailing was a passion of Jim’s. Beginning in his 40’s, never one to do anything half-way, he became an instructor. Working out of Cooper’s Marine on Granville Island, he loved taking school groups and families for “Cruise and Learn” weekends. From local elementary schools to private high schools, everyone loved sailing with “Captain Jim”.

Jim is predeceased by his wife Lynne Mansley (nee Karleen), whom he married on February 4th, 1966. Jim’s love for Lynne never faltered upon her passing and he remembered her with nothing but adoration. Jim was also incredibly fortunate to find his partner Patricia Cochran, who loved and supported Jim to the end of his life.

Jim is survived by his loving daughter Stacey (Brad) Beckett, his brother Jess (Charlene) Mansley, and lots of nieces and nephews (Nick, Kristi-Lee, Matthew, Carlie, Jessica and Leelund). His two granddaughters, Charlotte and Madeleine Beckett miss him deeply and continue to be inspired by the man he was and life he led.

Jim often said you only get 27 stories in your lifetime, and that you should tell them as many times as anyone would listen... and perhaps even if they didn’t. He lived every one of those stories, and never took a single one for granted. If his loss brings you anything it should be a reminder to live every moment as if it is one of your 27 stories.

Jim Mansley was an honest, kind, devastatingly clever, and ultimately good man. A man of many trades and 27 stories. His love for his family was insurmountable and solid. His loss is crushing, but his wisdom and his love grounds those he leaves behind.