James Marlow Nelson

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Jim Nelson on Friday October 14, 2011 in Kamloops at the age of 77 years. Jim was pre-deceased by his first wife Mary. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Shirley; daughter Donna; son Robert (Melinda); step-daughter Debra; grandchildren Victoria, Michael, Matthew and Danielle; and his canine companion Sally. Jim was the first born of eight children to Florence Nelson in 1934. At the age of two Jim went to live with his grandparents Alfonse and Emma Deschamps in Oyama, later attending Vernon high school until he joined the military in 1951. The military life found the family posted to fifteen different locations in Canada, the US and Germany. In 1957 Jim participated in testing Canada’s first missile, the Nike Hercules, in Churchill Manitoba. During the family Thanksgiving dinner in 1972 Jim was called out to work in Ottawa during the FLQ crisis. Life was never dull. In 1976 Jim retired from the military as a Master Warrant Officer in Regina. Jim then went to work as a civilian member of the RCMP in communications, and in 1977 he went through Basic Training at the RCMP. In 1981 Jim retired from the RCMP as a Constable and held a number of other paid positions in Saskatchewan and Kelowna, after moving there in 1985. In 1999 his health began to deteriorate and he retired fully, moving to Kamloops in 2003. During Jim’s healthy years, he lived life to the fullest; busy volunteering and playing sports. Jim loved to tease the children and play in the great outdoors – he was a BIG kid at heart. Once health issues prevented his active participation, Jim enjoyed watching sports live and on TV, especially his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders. Family and friends are invited to a reception and tea at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna on Wednesday October 19th, at 1:30 p.m.

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Kahlil Gibran

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299