James Hamilton Day

James was born on August 21, 1934 in Grand Falls New Brunswick to James William and Margaret Rose (Byers) Day. James was the second of six children who all grew up together on his father’s potato farm which also included tending to cows, horses, chickens, as well as planting, picking, and shipping potatoes. James played a major role in all of these activities. This instilled in James a strong work ethic that lasted throughout his life.

When James was about to enter the eighth grade the farm was sold and the family moved to Vancouver, BC and soon after to a small farm in Surrey, BC James was an outstanding lacrosse player during his high school years and also active in numerous sports. He graduated from Princess Margaret High School in 1952, after completing the University Entrance Program.

At 17 years of age he then went to work in the oil fields of the far north at logging camps, but he eventually ended up in Edmonton, AB, where he studied accounting and music at the University of Alberta. Music won out and he played in bands, including the R.C.A.F. Reserve Band while continuing his studies. In 1957 he migrated to the U.S. and auditioned for the U.S. Air Force Band as a trumpet player. He was accepted into the band and remained as a trumpet player for close to four years, which

included worldwide travel.

After James’ military experience, he attended the Berkeley School of Music in Boston, MA for three years and then switched to the conservatory and graduated as a trumpet player in classical music. He was 30 years old at the time. James returned to Vancouver where he performed in a band and taught high school for two years. He then, with his accounting background, worked as a financial writer for a time and as a financial analyst. When boredom set in he left and moved to San Francisco, CA and attended San Francisco State University where he majored in music composition towards a master’s degree.

After the first semester in music, James decided to take a semester in Chinese language. He was always curious about the Far East – its history, culture and the dark, mysterious, unknown world. The next semester came and he took Chinese II and Chinese History I and continued adding to the elected Chinese courses. Three years passed.

Afterward, James went to work in China for a U.S. oil company as a translator. They had a lot of trouble with foreign workers under contract with a Houston-based oil company. They needed someone who could negotiate, deal, and translate English into Chinese. He ended up signing a three year contract. James found he would go for months without speaking a word of English. Following his time in China, James had travelled the world and spoke many languages.

James was passionate about many things over the course of his lifetime. He was a voracious reader and researcher and could intelligently converse on almost any subject. Playing the trumpet was a lifelong accomplishment that brought him much pleasure, entertainment, and comfort.

James was preceded in death by his sister Margaret, and his brother, George. He is survived by his sister Patricia Westfall (Winfield), sister Florence, and brother Forrest Day (Gail). He was exceptionally kind and generous to all his siblings.