We Remember

STAPLETON, James Paul

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved father, brother and grandfather, James (Jim) Paul Stapleton on April 5, 2017 in Kelowna, BC. He will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters Pauline, Peggy and Jayne; 10 grandchildren Zachary, Keifer, Christine, Johnny, Wyatt, Casey, Sadie, Saskia, Celina, and Garnett; and his 10 surviving siblings. He is predeceased by his daughter Patty

 

Jim was born on July 6th, 1932, in a former granary that was the home of the young Stapleton family before the large family farmhouse was built. Jim was the eldest son of Mick and Elsa Stapleton’s 10 children. After the death of Jim’s mother Elsa, Mick remarried Lois whom would give Jim five more siblings, making the Stapleton clan 15 children. Jim, alongside his father and brothers, worked the family farm that grew various crops and raised farm animals. “Peanut” was Jim’s favourite horse, which he would ride to school with two of his older sisters. His younger sisters adored him; he rallied around them after their mother’s death in 1945 and tried to make their lives more meaningful. He worked in the oil rigs all over northern Alberta and BC before eventually settling in Calgary, and then Oyama, where he raised his family and worked for MediGas as a truck driver.

 

Jim had a love of sports and excelled in all of them. He had dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but his sense of responsibility for the family superseded his dream. Despite giving up on his dream, he never lost his love to play baseball and played in every city he lived. He was one of the best catchers many people had ever had the opportunity to see. When he retired from this sport he was well over the age of 50 and had no problem keeping up with the with young men half his age he played with. He was a big supporter of all the various local sports teams. However, he was the biggest supporter of the Kelowna Rockets Hockey team and never missed their games if he could help it! The Kelowna Rockets Team deemed Jim their #1 fan and recognized his dedication to them. They even have a picture of Jim on a variety of advertising: keep an eye out for him on the back of two local city buses! He was diligent about keeping all the statistics on the team and was always comparing their year to year stats.

 

Jim was a “Jack of all Trades” and he loved to build whatever needed to be built. He also loved to garden and was a wonderful resource to family and friends when it came to growing things. He kept bird houses around the property and was busy keeping the feeders full.

 

Although Jim was a solitary man, many people became very important to him besides his family. Those included are the Auck family, Preet and his staff at the Super Save Gas in Rutland, where he regularly visited. He was the “Grandfather” figure adopted by many at the gas station. They were all a part of an extended family and many thanks go out to them for their love and support.

 

Jim did not wish to have a funeral service, instead close family and friends will be attending a Kelowna Rockets game in his honour. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wolford Cemetery Fund, c/o Ed Stapleton, Box 1888, Cardston Alberta, TOK OKO.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Jim did not wish to have a funeral service, instead close family and friends will be attending a Kelowna Rockets game in his honour.

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wolford Cemetery Fund, c/o Ed Stapleton, Box 1888, Cardston Alberta, TOK OKO.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for STAPLETON, James Paul is scheduled for Jim did not wish to have a funeral service, instead close family and friends will be attending a Kelowna Rockets game in his honour.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Bev Mitchell says:

    I am crying a tear for the sisters, your Dad was one of a kind. I still remember the lie that Jaynie would tell the kids when Grandpa came to visit about having cable access that would mysteriously come and go. That and the made up Christmas jingle when he got nailed on the head by the guitar. My thoughts are with you all, xo B

  • Debbie Brewer says:

    To Jayne and family
    I only had the chance to meet your Dad a few times. I enjoyed his visits!
    Hugs to all!

  • Amber Nelson says:

    We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing. We’re sending much love and prayers your way.

  • Heather Giuriato says:

    Jayne, Pauline, Peggy and families;
    So sorry for your loss. I had the great pleasure of meeting your dad on several ocassions and always enjoyed our talks and his dry sense of humour. Although it is hard to lose those we love, I truly believe that they never really leave us. They are in our hearts and thoughts always and all the wonderful memories you carry help ease the pain just a little. Hugs to you all. ❤️

  • Leddy Perry says:

    It was a pleasure and great honour for me to get to know your dad (Jim) over the past 20 years! From us being ” the too loud giggly girls drinking wine coolers in his presence”, to all the road trips I was able to attend to Kelowna with jayne, especially his surprise 80th birthday party! He was a man who grew big in our hearts. He will be deeply missed by all the hearts he has touched!
    Sending big ❤️HUGS❤️ to Jayne, Pauline, and Peggy xoxoxo

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.