Obituaries

STUART, James Henry UPDATED

A Memorial Service will be held to honour Jim, due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only, however the family would like to invite all who would like to pay their respects to join by livestream on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 1:00 pm at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the link below)

April 23, 1934 – March 21, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather James “Jim” Henry Stuart who passed away peacefully on March 21, 2020 at the age of 85.

He will be remembered with love and gratitude by his wife, Anna, and their three children Heather (Tony), Sheila (Bruce), and Charles (Valerie); and their six grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Tyler, Ashley, Jaclyn and Megan.

Jim was born in Kelowna in 1934 and graduated from Rutland High School in 1953. He bought an orchard in South-East Kelowna and over the years farmed a total of 40 acres. He married Anna in 1955 and they raised their children on the orchard. During his years as an orchardist, he was active in various organizations of the fruit industry: B.C. Tree Fruits, Sun-Rype Products Ltd, and Fruit Growers Mutual Insurance. He was honored for his application of new approaches to orcharding.

James was elected to the Kelowna Hospital Board in 1967 and this led to 31 years of commitment to public service. He served for 29 years on the Central Okanagan Regional District, both as a director and chairman. He was elected to Kelowna City council in 1973 and was elected as Mayor in 1986. He served as Mayor for 10 years and retired in 1996. Jim also served on the BC Transit Authority and was Chairman of the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia for 12 years.

Jim was an active member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in East Kelowna and served as an Honorary Auditor.

During his career, Jim was passionate about the acquisition of park land. Upon his retirement, Stuart Park was created along the waterfront in his honor, and he was made a Freeman of the City of Kelowna. He was known for his common-sense approach, and willingness to listen.

During his retirement, Jim enjoyed playing golf and participating in the lives of his grandchildren.

Although, Jim had health issues in the last few years, he never lost his sense of humor, or his calm and friendly manner.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com or the B.C. Cancer Agency - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, www.bccancer.bc.ca. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/stuart-james-henry

Condolence Messages

Jul 28, 2020
Anna, Charles & Val, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of a great man, many fond memories of days gone by, may you be comforted by the many happy memories of a long life. Sue Boser YMCA
Jul 05, 2020
Dear Anna, Bob and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family upon hearing of Jim’s passing. We enjoyed his company around a dinner table and respected his vision of Kelowna and all the hard work he did to make that happen

Good memories xx

Bob and Wendy Porter
Jun 14, 2020
Anna and family We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Richard always loved a chat with Jim and I remember the times so many years ago we would have a cup of tea together.

Richard and Jacqui Bullock
Jun 13, 2020
We were friends as boys and he was the first person I met when I came to Kelowna. He will be well known for all his civic duty but I remember how he loved to fish with his parents and mine. Great memories. Rest In Peace.

Sylvia and Rene Rufli
Apr 09, 2020
Our prayers are with you Anna and your family as you carry your sorrow in these days of physical distancing. We fondly remember your warm hospitality in your beautiful home and your faithfulness in so many ways. May Jim rest in peace. Bishop John (retired) and Alida
Apr 06, 2020
Sorry to hear of your loss Anna and family.

We enjoyed the times we spent with Jim and you on those New Year's Eve dinners and other times

You are in our thoughts Jim was such an interesting caring person.

Take stay healthy

Ev and Gord Barber
Apr 02, 2020
What a beautiful video tribute to an amazing man. My dad and Mr. Stuart went to school together I will try and locate the school picture for your family. My deepest condolences to all of you. Remember all those great times in the video. He was such a nice man when ever I meet him always a big smile and a hello. He will be missed by so many.

Susan Johal
Apr 01, 2020
My condolences to the Stuart Family. I knew Jim from the time my father Wally Bennett was on the Central Okanagan Regional District and then mayor of the city. My dad always said Jim would be a good mayor and he sure was. He gave his all to the community he loved. He will be missed.

Bob Bennett
Mar 29, 2020
Anna, my condolences to you and your family. His leadership as mayor as well as his foresight, passion and vision for the city made it what it is today. He was the best mayor the City of Kelowna had in my 35 years working for the city. I will always have fond memories of Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ron Ready
Mar 29, 2020
Dear Anna,

So sorry to hear about "Jimmy's" passing. My best memories of him was during our St. Mary's plant sale, you will be selling plants to young Jessica and Vanessa Griffin our Pastor's daughters. But right behind your back, Jimmy is giving the money back to them!! Also at 80 years of age, he will be weeding St. Mary's backyard.

We all grieve beside you Anne, for this loving, humble True Gentleman.

Pat Olson
Mar 29, 2020
Anna and family. We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. SE Kelowna is richer for having had him as our neighbour and mentor. Lots of great memories: the beach lots, the church and our little farming community.

Robert and Vera Bauer
Mar 28, 2020
Jim was an amazing man.

I designed many projects during his term in office.

He had a way about him that as he spoke to you, he would often glance away. He was gathering his thoughts and what he had to say was always significant.

He loved this city.

Many of the negatives that existed he corrected. And there were many.

I remember he telling me about his flight on the Concord. I was envious.

He truly was a professional friend, and I will miss his presence.

Anna, are paths have not crossed for years. But the memories, now sadness of your loss, exists.

Robert Turik Architect
Mar 28, 2020
Dear Anna and Family, I am deeply saddened by Jim’s passing. I remember well our conversations when we’d run into each other as I worked in the vineyard. He always had a big smile and a witty comment or some words of advise. He was a stellar man and certainly lived a full life giving so generously of himself.

Pam stapleton
Mar 26, 2020
Kelowna is a progressive and far more vibrant City. Jim set the course that generations will enjoy. The king of quick retort and wit, I will always remember our banter with great fondness. His journey is over, but his legacy will endure forever.

My sincere condolences to Anna and his entire family.

Ken Faulkner
Mar 26, 2020
Dear Anna and Family,

My daughter and I were so very saddened to hear of Jim's Passing. Jim was the Champion of Kelowna's Heart. He was so conscience Kelowna's History, and fought hard to conserve Kelowna's past, to nurture the present, and to preserve Kelowna's future for generations to come. I had the honour and privilege of working with Jim while he first served Kelowna as Councilman and then as Mayor. His foresight, courage and compassion made Kelowna a better place to live. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim's family.

Sincerely Ursula and Frances Surtees
Mar 26, 2020
Dear Anna and family,

Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Jim will long be remembered for his commitment to the community and all his hard work in his many endeavors. His life was full and he was blessed to have the love and support from his family.

Hugs to you Anna.

Fred and Pat Marin
Mar 26, 2020
Anna - sad news, it was a pleasure to have known Jim. He will be remembered by so many of us as one of the special people in the world. Donna Stevenson
Mar 26, 2020
My deepest sympathy Anna. He had a good long life. Vera Senger
Mar 25, 2020
Dear Anna and family

Mum and I would like to send our condolences to you all.. we have very happy

Memories of Jim ...he was always full of fun and laughter. A wonderful

Neighbour and friend.

Rose and Eileen Powell
Mar 25, 2020
Anna

Stu and I would like to express to you,Heather,Sheila,Charles and their families how sorry we were to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a truly special person. He will be greatly missed.

We have such wonderful memories of times spent with you and Jim going out for dinner, at your open house Jan 2, checking the numbers Election Night and so many other occasions. Memories we will always treasure.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest well dear friend.

Stu and Noreen Fleming
Mar 25, 2020
To Anna and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim will be greatly missed but his leadership will always be remembered in Kelowna. Having worked with Jim for a number of years I know his wisdom, insights and focus on the best interests of our City always helped him make all the decisions that guided the City. He was not only highly respected in the City, but also in the Province and our Country. He had much to offer and he carried out his responsibilities well!

Ron and Leona Born
Mar 25, 2020
Anna and family, Kelowna has truly lost a great man. His dedication to the city was above and beyond. We have fond memories of the times we spent with you and Jim. Wishing you and your family our deepest condolences.

Ron and Thelma White
Mar 25, 2020
Dear Anna and Family

Jim set an example for ALL of us ! I had the pleasure of ' getting to know ' Jim

through membership in the OKM Rotary Club. Will keep you in my thoughts as we all reflect on his many contributions those happy memories ~~~~~

Fred Froese
Mar 25, 2020
Fond memories of Jim who always had a kind word and a smile. For everyone. My condolences to Ann a and family. Rest In Peace, Jim. ???FloMasson
Mar 25, 2020
A wonderful model of quiet service with great humility and humor, may others of his ilk rise up and seek to serve our community as Jim did. Thank you for your example Jim, we are all better for it.

Stuart Ballard
Mar 25, 2020
So sorry , and sad to hear of Jim's passing, my Deepest Condolences to you Anna and Family. Knew Jim growing up in Rutland and during school days, and also you Anna. Jim was a man of Great Knowledge, Integrity, Caring , for first his Family, than Kelowna Citizen's ,as a great Mayor, and leader in many areas. You will be missed Jim, may you R.I.P., Thank you. My Prayers of Love and hugs to you Anna, and family , for strength as you go through your grieving time, that you may Cherish all Jim's Great Memories.

Marlene Kish { nee Roy ]
Mar 25, 2020
Anna and family,

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I had the privilege to work closely with him during his time as Mayor. He was a kind, caring man who always took the time to listen and to try to resolve the various problems that citizens brought to his office. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy Renkas
Mar 25, 2020
To the Stuart Family

My condolences to all of you. Jim was one of the best majors Kelowna ever had. His years as major were in the most challenging times for Kelowna as it transitioned from a small city to a bigger city. Jim stayed foccused on what Kelowna could be and what it was ,a tough juggle but he did it successfully by taking his time and thinking things out before jumping into things and most of all listened with an open mind. He seen the future vision . . With his hands in so many things gave him a knowledge that helped him through being the best mayor. Stuart Park what a tribute to him and the fact he got to see his tribute was awesome. Exactly Jim Stuart. A place to bring a community together regardless . The grizzly bear represents Kelowna but also Jim , both were strong, majestic , and fought when needed to. The Stuart family lost a great man but so did Kelowna .

Sandi Freier-Giddings
Mar 25, 2020
Anna, Heather,Sheila and Charles and family, I am sad to hear of Jim's passing. Growing up just down the road from you we joined you for many occasions and celebrations. Jim was like a foundation of the neighbourhood and will be missed

Sending hugs

Lynda Dabner
Mar 25, 2020
Our family lived on the Stuarts property for many years. Many childhood memories of Jim working in the orchard and always had time to chat with a smile. We all looked up to Jim and his family. My sincerest condolences to Jim's family. May you find peace in knowing he made this world a better place. Tammy Hoover
Mar 25, 2020
Anna & Family

So sorry to hear of Jim passing, He was a man I admired very much. Kelowna has lost a great man.

Rene & Irene Dureault
Mar 25, 2020
Mr. Stuart was the definition of Kelowna and area, he always wanted to do what the citizens needed. I knew all my life and proud that I had the opportunity to work with during most of my 35 years at the Regional District of Central Okanagan . He definitely made decisions that all the citizens of Kelowna and area should be proud of . His decisions made Joe Rich, Ellison , Lake Country, North Westside Rd. , West Kelowna , Peachland and of course Kelowna what they are today.

He was an outstanding farmer and passionate about the Agricultural industry .I often say to myself when making a decision “what would Mr . Stuart do?”. He always had time for everyone young and old .

He will be missed

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you

Domenic and Lina Rampone
Mar 25, 2020
Anna and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing and kind man. He will always be in your hearts and everybody that had the good fortune to meet him. Prayers and hugs to you all. Ken and Bim Luknowsky
Mar 25, 2020
Anna and Family, I had the honor of working with Jim on City council for a few years and on other projects in the city. We lost a great community worker and the people of Kelowna really appreciated his vision for us. Rest in Peace Jim.

Norm and Val Fix
Mar 25, 2020
Anna and family we were very sad to hear of Jims passing. He was a incredible man and the City of Kelowna owes him a big thank you for all he has done over the years. He worked so hard for all of us. You were always there right beside him in all he did.Please hold all those loving memories close to your hearts and they will last a life time. Prayers and love Jerry and Lillian Moller
Mar 25, 2020
Anna and Family

My condolences to all of you on Jim’s passing.

For a small man of stature, he cast an immense ‘shadow,’ accomplishing numerous civic and regional district initiatives over decades as councillor and mayor.

All Kelowna residents owe a great debt of gratitude to Jim and the Stuart family for

the quality of life we enjoy due to his vision, tenacity, and sacrifice

Tony Markoff
Mar 24, 2020
Anna and family, sending our sincere condolences. The Nicholas family.
Mar 24, 2020
Jim was a good man and well respected. I always appreciated his dedication and passion for KGH and his work on the board. He also was a great sports supporter. A great visionary that we now enjoy his accomplishments today.

Barbara and Dwight Carroll.
Mar 24, 2020
Jim was a great person. A lot of years knowing Jim and Anna. Fruit growing years, Jim as mayor City of Kelowna. Wish to express to all the Stuart family. John and Terry Whittaker
Mar 24, 2020
What a shame...

Peter Newton..The Red Barn.
Mar 24, 2020
Anna, Heather,Sheila Charles and all family members. A sad day on Saturday when told of Jim's passing. Over the years many enjoyable times were spent, many lunches and even during the dog days of an election campaign the positive attitude was ever present. This city and it's citizens should be ever grateful for his vision and guidance during the years he gave to it. Anna, as his ever present companion and lately his care giver I salute you for your never-ending faith. Now the pain is over for Jim and we have those memories that you allowed us to share with him that we shall forever cherish.

David Langton
Mar 24, 2020
A life long family friend, partner, and ally, Jim will be missed by the neighbours in SEKelowna. He was a valued opinion to seek, an award winning orchardist, a visionary for the community, and always had a great laugh to share. A friend to my dad, and also to me, it's truly a sad day in the neighbourhood. Cheers Jimmy. Thanks for everything.

David Stirling
Mar 24, 2020
An incredible citizen for the people’s people. Thank you for a life well given and shared. We could all use a bit of that these days. Rest In Peace my friend. Kelowna will miss you. Bryan and Glenda Jackson