We Remember

DIEDERICHS, James Walter “Jim”

June 2, 1954 — July 5, 2019

With great sadness, the family of Jim Diederichs announces his passing on Friday, July 5, 2019. Jim passed peacefully at home in Peachland, BC with his family by his side after a 9-month battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer).

Jim was born June 2, 1954 to Walter and Joy Diederichs in Prince Albert, SK. For the most part, Jim grew up on the family farm just outside of Cudworth.  He went off to St Peter’s College boarding school in Muenster, Saskatchewan to complete his high school. He then spent a brief period of time at University in Saskatoon before arriving in Edmonton, Alberta in 1972 where he met his future wife Brenda. He and Brenda were married on July 12, 1975 and eventually moved to Coquitlam, BC where their two children Kirsten Joy and Brett James were born. In 1995 the family moved to Toronto, ON where Jim worked as an executive for many years with Rogers Media and completed his working years with Fortinet.  Jim and Brenda both retired at the end of 2016 and arrived in Peachland in the spring of 2017 after a year of travelling and playing golf, one of Jim’s greatest past times. Jim also played softball in the media league in Toronto for many years and was considered one of the team’s best players by all of his younger teammates.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Brenda (née Saboe) and their children Kirsten (and partner Matt Pereira) and Brett (and partner Madison van Rijn); his mother Joy; brothers Tom (Shelley), Peter (Susan), Jeff (Karen) and sisters Cynthia (Mario Bruketa) and Colleen (Steve Butt). Jim is also survived by his family on the Saboe side; Dennis, Wendy (Rick Dale), Janice, Diana (Ramon Donati), Donna, and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.  Jim is predeceased by his father, Walter and Brenda’s parents, George and Bea Saboe (née Cote).

Jim will be remembered as a loving husband and father. Family, friends and colleagues will remember him for his frank approach, supportive nature, quick wit and an endless sense of humor.  His ability to gently tease everyone and get away with it will be affectionately remembered by many.

A celebration of life will be held for Jim Thursday, July 11th at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. The family will host a reception in their home from 3:00 – 6:30 pm at #132, 5300 Huston Road in Peachland, BC.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to either the Kelowna chapter of the BC Cancer Society, or alternatively to the Parrot Island Sanctuary in Peachland, one of Jim’s favorite pastimes in recent months.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

THIS SERVICE WILL BE BROADCAST/LIVESTREAMED ON THURSDAY, JULY 11TH AT 1:00 PM.

Service
Thursday, July 11th at 1:00 PM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
BC Cancer Society or the Parrot Island Sanctuary in Peachland Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca, www.parrotisland.net

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for DIEDERICHS, James Walter “Jim” is scheduled for Thursday, July 11th at 1:00 PM . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

The family will host a reception in their home from 3:00 – 6:30 pm at #132, 5300 Huston Road in Peachland, BC.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Richard and Val Waller says:
    July 10, 2019 at 8:05 pm

    Our heart and prayers are with you and your family. Jeff always spoke highly of his big brother while we were walking around the Barrett Jackson car show talking about our families.

    Reply
  • Carey Kraus says:
    July 14, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    Rest in Peace Jamie buddy. Lots of fond memories of hanging with you at the farm (the old horse and of course your mom’s fudge) and then later for a bit in Edmonton. I was never cut out to be the snappy dresser you thought I could be, but I did appreciate you trying! Deepest condolences to your family and all the Diederich’s.

    Reply
  • Robert Lewis says:
    July 25, 2019 at 6:44 pm

    Jim was a prince of a guy and a very supportive colleague during our days together at Rogers Media. We took some road trips, played some golf and had not a few laughs. Our sincere condolences to Brenda and the family. Bob

    Reply
  • John Milne says:
    July 29, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Working with Jim at Rogers Media was a great experience. He taught me a lot with the patience & openness that were his hallmarks. My thoughts are with Brenda and his whole family through these difficult days. JM

    Reply
  • Tony Loffreda says:
    July 29, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    I am deeply saddened to find out of Jim’s passing, way to early. My sincere condolences are with you all. May you find peace in all the good memories.

    Sincerely, Tony Loffreda

    Reply
  • Kristina Gaudet (Pyziak) says:
    July 31, 2019 at 5:29 am

    My deepest condolences Brenda and family. Jim was a fantastic man and a great baseball player! He will be dearly missed.

    Reply
  • Gary Fearnall says:
    August 1, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    I just heard of Jim’s passing today. While we were not friends, I wanted to share that my work experiences with him were always valuable. He was a very strong and capable leader. His Job at Rogers balancing the many teams and masters he served was challenging. He did it well and with respect for the people he worked with. He wasn’t easy but he was fair and often offered great insights that were appreciated in the years after he and I worked together. A very difficult time fighting the cancer he had no doubt. I wish you well in the months ahead as you remember Jim and continue on in life.
    Sincerely
    Gary

    Reply
  • Lina says:
    August 14, 2019 at 12:27 pm

    You will be forever missed but never forgotten. Thank you for your wisdom which has helped me to garner my success in this world. I often credit you for the things still to this day. Working with you at such a difficult time of my life, was such a gift.
    Condolences to all who loved and knew Jim. He truly was a wonderful man.

    Reply
  • Paul Williams says:
    August 17, 2019 at 9:11 am

    Jim was a colleague at Rogers. He was tough, determined and a straight shooter. And had a great sense of humour. My condolences to the family in this tragic loss.

    Reply
  • Maxine and Drew Broughton says:
    August 26, 2019 at 7:08 am

    I had worked with Jim early on in my career and he is one of the nicest most caring people that I know. Not only was he willing to share his knowledge and experiences but he actually cared about his employees. Their well being and development. He always made us laugh when we were down and made sure we kept pursuing our own dreams. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers our with his family during this time.

    Reply
  • Shawn Taft says:
    September 8, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    My condolences Brenda and family. Will miss you Jim.

    Reply

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.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke