James Robert Alan Douglas

He is survived by Marjorie (Marje), his wife who for 69 years was the love of his life, daughter Lori, sons Christopher (Karen) and Michael (Eva), 5 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and brother Wesley (Sherri).

Predeceased by his parents, Alan and Kay Douglas and his Great Grandmother Daisy Freure who he especially loved. He was a generous, proud and loving Father and Grandfather.

Jim grew up in the town of Woodfibre, BC and moved to the Lower Mainland in 1956 with Marjorie. Jim and his family lived in various locations in the Lower Mainland, eventually settling in Surrey in 1964. Jim spent most of his working life as a Heavy Duty Mechanic in public transportation (BC Electric, BC Hydro, TransLink), starting in 1956 and retired from Coast Mountain Bus Company in 1997.

Jim had a passion for cars and in his lifetime owned 25 cars, 4 trucks, 5 motorcycles and 2 motorhomes. He kept all of our vehicles running and at times that included pulling engines and transmissions. Jim could repair any engine put before him be it for a land yacht or ocean yacht. Jim also enjoyed ownership of several boats (small and large) and built a 1950s 12’ speedboat.

His passion for vehicles included being counted on to help family and friends if they need transportation at a time of need; an act of compassion he has passed on to his 3 children and grandchildren. He was an avid reader of history, the animal kingdom (especially penguins) and in particular the history of British Columbia, Egypt and anything to do with BC Coast ships. Jim was a very bright person, which was evident in his knowledge of so many topics: home repairs, building, woodworking, gardening, fishponds, history, and more.

Jim donated Christmas gifts to children and teens throughout his years and donated to a number of charities because it was important to Jim to give to the less fortunate in the community. He repaired countless neighbourhood children’s toys. All the children on the street knew “Jim” and came by with their broken bikes or flat soccer balls or basketballs. He never turned them away and never asked for payment, it was his pleasure to give back to his community.

Jim loved animals and enjoyed the company of several cats, but he eventually gave in to two pups: Hannah, a sweet Lhasa Apso and his dear Shih Tzu, Daisy.

In 2024 James was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) so he moved to Kinsmen Lodge in Surrey, BC, where he received excellent care from kind and caring staff. James will be missed very, very much by his many friends, neighbours and especially by his family.

We thank Kinsmen Lodge (Crescent and Holland neighbourhood staff) for caring and helping James through his passing. A celebration of James’ life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the BC Cancer Agency, the Canadian Movement Disorders Society (re MSA) or a charity of your choice.