Capt. James F. Watters

Jim is predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Mary (nee Milan) (2009), his only son, Capt. Lawrence J. Watters (2006), his brother, Jack of Vernon, BC and his sister, Mary Senior (nee Watters) of Dryden, ONT. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Shirley (Christopher McBride), his adored grandsons, Kellen and Brenden Watters, nieces and nephews and friends in Ireland, New Zealand, France, Manitoba and Ontario.

Jim was born in Dundalk, Ireland on February 7, 1926, immigrated to Canada in 1930 and settled with his family in Winnipeg. In 1941, Jim enlisted in the Canadian Army and within 2 months was honourably discharged because of his age. Six months later in 1942, Jim re-enlisted with the Lorne Scots and in 1944 while landing on Juno Beach on D-Day, he was wounded. After his recovery, he rejoined his Company through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

In 1947 Jim traveled to Vancouver to find work, and with his love of the sea, signed on with Imperial Oil on the Imperial Namu, a coastal oil tanker. He studied at night school and passed his Mates and Captain’s exams. While at Imperial Oil, Jim authored many articles for the National Fleet News and was presented with Capital Awards for outstanding contributions toward improvements of safety and working procedures at sea. Jim continued his marine education and wrote and passed the BC Coast Pilots exams and became a member of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada in 1976. Jim retired in 1986 as Marine Manager at the Ioco Refinery in Port Moody, B.C.

With retirement came the chance for him and Mary to take cruises and travel the world. He also loved playing ice hockey and joined the Old Timers Hockey Association. He played with the ‘other prime beefs on skates’ for the Coquitlam Ambassadors who were Gold Medal winners at the 1983 Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament sponsored by Charles M. Schulz, in California. His hockey career also included travel to annual tournaments throughout North America and Japan. Jim gave up hockey at 82 years of age to take care of his wife re-cooperating from heart surgery and cancer.

Jim was proud to have received the honours of Knighthood in the Knights of Columbus in 1977 and lived his life following their Principles, he was also a member of the RCL #114, Lynn Valley. He was devoted to his wife and family, his faith and his country.

I extend my gratitude to Veteran’s Affairs, Lifeline and Fraser Health and the caregivers who gave such excellent care to my Dad to make his life more comfortable.

Dad always had a zest for life and the adventure at sea, playing hockey and St. Patrick’s Day. We will always remember his laughter, his whistling of Irish tunes and the twinkle in his Irish eyes. He will be dearly missed but he is now at peace and with the love of his life.

A Funeral Service to be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby BC on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 1:30 in the afternoon. Visitation prior to the service to start at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society.