James Robert Dar Woon

Born the 9th of 10 siblings in Calgary, AB, Jim moved to Vancouver, BC while in elementary school, and lived in Vancouver and Burnaby for most of his life. The Burnaby house Jim and Cecile purchased in 1962 became a home of love where they shared many memories and meals with their children, siblings and extended families, neighbours, and friends. There was almost always a puzzle “on the go” including jigsaws, crosswords, anagrams, word search, sudoku, and brain teasers.

Jimmy’s love of radio and audio electronics was ignited during his time at UBC, where he joined the Radio Club as a DJ. He later would collect radios and HiFi audio systems, building many from specialty kits. He had 100s of LPs and CDs, mostly jazz and repertoire from the American Songbook. Jimmy’s career with Varahs/ElectroSonic spanned four decades, until his retirement at age 65. His major clients bestowed gifts to mark the occasion, a testament to his diligent care.

An avid bowler throughout his adult years, Jim was inducted into the BC Bowling Hall of Fame for his volunteer service, and was the first Canadian Vice President of the American Bowling Congress. His high game was 298. It was through bowling that Jim met many of his friends around the world. He was a valued member of many bowling organizations, provincially, nationally, and internationally over the years.

Jim believed in serving one’s community, and was a long time volunteer with programs such as Hearts on the Mend and Operation Red Nose.

A Celebration of Life will be held:

Saturday, April 5, 2025

2:00 pm

Ocean View Funeral Home Chapel

4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC V5J1A4

Bowling attire and team jerseys (Canucks, BC Lions, Blue Jays) are welcome and encouraged.

As per his request, James was cremated and his remains will join Cecile at Ocean View Burial Park.

James is predeceased by his parents David Der Woon and Quan [Gun] Kin Hen Woon (aka Kin Heng Quan), wife Cecile (2015) and siblings Nancy (1947), Daisy (2001), Hazel (2016), William (2020), Grace (2020), Naida (2022).

James will be dearly missed by his siblings Joyce Chong, Pearl Woon, and Fred Der Woon; his children Karen (Hans), Denise (Darrell), Deborah (Shayne), Ron (Christy) and Rob (Lisa); grandchildren Valerie (Sean), Kit (Jon), Clayton (Stacey), Erin, Maria and David; great grandchildren Aynsley, Everett, Lou and Imogen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please work on a jigsaw, crossword, sudoku or other puzzle or brain teaser. Donations may be sent to Burnaby Hospital Foundation, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, or New Vista Society, all of whom have provided care to James.