James Hunter Shaw

James (Jim) Hunter Shaw passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and quiet strength.

Jim was born on May 2, 1954 in Crawley, Sussex, UK. From a young age, he learned the value of perseverance and responsibility while working alongside his father in the family land-clearing business. Those early years shaped the work ethic that would define him for the rest of his life.

Jim and Marguerite met on a blind date in early 1976 and were married in October of 1976. James was born in 1981, followed by Audrey in 1984. The entire family has fond memories of the years spent on Durango Drive before moving to Pritchard in 1990.

In 1990, Jim moved his family to Pritchard, British Columbia, where he and his father began farming an undeveloped piece of land. Jim farmed that land for decades, pouring his heart and strength into it until his body could no longer carry the load. His farming years were marked by long days and countless late nights caring for newborn calves, baling hay, and tending to the land he loved. Jim had an incredible talent for life on the ranch including the ability to produce some of the best hay around through his deep knowledge and intuition of knowing the conditions of the field, the hay & even his ability to tell you within a couple of bales how many were sitting on the field without even counting them. Producing quality hay for his customers was so important to him. Ranching was not just work to Jim; it was who he was.

Jim had a gift for working with animals and certainly a soft spot for baby calves, often bringing those who needed a little extra attention inside for warming or bottle feeding. There wasn’t a time that Jim didn’t have a border collie by his side, most recently his beloved companion Gracie.

Jim spent many hours in his lifetime in auction yards; learning how to become a skilled negotiator and meeting many people who become lifelong friends. If there was a deal to be found at the auction, Dad was on it.

Jim was an incredible father who taught his children about hard work. He was always there to answer the phone when they needed him whether it was about something funny that had happened or a question about a vehicle. His presence in James & Audrey’s lives, as well as Dale & Justin’s, will leave a large void now that he is gone.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He embraced the role of “Grandpa” wholeheartedly and found deep joy in his four grandchildren. He spent hours with them whether it was a ride on the tractor, a puzzle on the floor, or in his last few months a quick visit before their bedtime. He always made time for their stories and jokes.

In his later years, Jim spent much of his time at his cabin in Scotch Creek, it was a place where he found peace, reflection, and comfort.

Jim leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Marguerite; his son James Shaw (Dale); his daughter Audrey Beatty (Justin); and his cherished grandchildren Lane, Cheyanne, Tyson, and Jaxson. He is also survived by his father, James (Jim) Shaw, his nanny Audrey Cannons, his siblings Lorriane, Helen, Karen, (Rob) Andrew (Rick) & Ian (David) as well as Marguerite’s siblings who he considered his own, Helen (Dave), Bill (Lori), Bernice (Dale), Betts (Brad), sister in-law Mel and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins on both sides. Jim had special bond and is also survived by his cousin Stuart and his wife Lauralei. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Elaine, his mother & father in-law, Bill & Alice, and his brother in-law Jim.

Jim also leaves behind a close group of lifelong friends built on loyalty, shared history, and mutual respect.

Jim had a sense of humor right until the end of his life, cracking jokes with the grandkids, the hospice staff & family…nobody loved a good laugh like him.

Jim’s final message to the world was simple and deeply reflective of who he was: “Take care of each other.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Pritchard Community Hall starting at 1pm. (1941 Duck Range Road)

We can’t thank the staff at The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home enough for the incredible care that they provided not only for Jim in his final days but for our entire family. In lieu of flowers, donation to the hospice would be appreciated.