DODGE, James Howe “Jim”

January 3, 1951 — November 13, 2024

James Howe Dodge passed away on November 13, 2024, in Kelowna, British Columbia at the age of 73.

Jim was recently diagnosed with bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) and the illness took him quickly. After battling various health issues throughout his life, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is finally able to rest in peace.

Jim was born in Montreal, Quebec on January 3, 1951, to James Dane Dodge and Mary Jeanette Dodge, née Howe. Jim was the second of seven children, and he loved his siblings: Barbara, Peter (Meg), John, Bill (Bene), Nancy (Clark), and Martha (Michael).

After graduating from the University of New Brunswick, he spent one summer working in the mortgage industry before deciding to forge a different path. He flew west to visit his brother in British Columbia.  Upon arrival, he was immediately inspired by the majestic mountains and lakes and decided to set down roots in the province.

He married Carlyn Marie Dodge, née Stack, in 1981 and began raising a family in the Okanagan. He is survived by Carlyn, sons Stephen (May Ling) and Jesse (Mala), daughter Elyse (Lyndon), and 6 grandchildren: Mila, Carina, Amara, Zane, Ashton, and Jade.

Jim began apprenticing as a carpenter and eventually became a self-employed general contractor in residential construction.  Over the course of his career, he built and remodeled hundreds of homes throughout the Okanagan Valley and Lower Mainland, including homes for his family and many of their closest friends.

Jim found peace in his faith and his relationship with God.  He felt closest to heaven while roaming through nature, navigating forest trails with his compass, and reading about the flora and fauna he encountered on his expeditions. He loved the mountains, and it always brought a twinkle to his eyes.

He was always on the lookout for used bookstores, hoping to pick up a Western novel by Louis L’Amour or a James A. Michener book he hadn’t read yet.  His ears would perk up whenever he heard the sound of live music, never failing to stop and admire talented local musicians.  One of his favourite activities was to visit his friends down at the Kelowna Farmers’ Market, getting fresh produce, pastries, and coffee.

Later in life, he enjoyed taking annual road trips through California and Arizona during the winter months, including extended stays in Yuma, AZ, and competing in billiards events at the Fountain of Youth Resort in the California desert.

Jim was drawn to hockey at an early age. He started playing outdoor ice hockey while growing up in Montreal, finding an outlet for his youthful energy and exhilarating freedom while gliding around on the frozen ice. He continued to play and coach into his late 40s, often helping with his sons’ hockey teams.  He was an avid Vancouver Canucks fan and “armchair coach” until the very end.

Jim’s family will spend some time reflecting on the wonderful life he built before hosting a Celebration of Life in March 2025.

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