We Remember

RATHJEN, James Donald “Jim”

July 10, 1947 — April 10, 2025

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of James “Jim” Donald Rathjen on April 10, 2025, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 77.

Born in 1947 in Armstrong, BC, Jim was the beloved son of Donald and Ivy Rathjen (both predeceased), and the second of five children. He was predeceased by his older brother John (d. 1975), and is lovingly remembered by his sister Evelyn and brothers Phil and Tom. Jim was the devoted husband of Sandi Rathjen, his high school sweetheart of 56 years. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and quiet strength through his three sons—Shane (Leanne), Mike (Sarah), and Stephen (Milo)—and his two treasured grandchildren, Toby and Arlo.

Raised in a pastor’s family, Jim moved regularly throughout BC to communities including Armstrong, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Summerland, Kimberley, and Creston with each place adding its own chapter to his story. After high school, he began studies at Western Pentecostal Bible College, but his path took a practical turn, and he became a men’s hairstylist in 1969. Jim and Sandi settled in Kelowna in 1972, where he opened Jay-Dee Men’s Hair, the barbershop he faithfully ran for 53 years.  This trade gave him the opportunity to serve others not just professionally, but pastorally, with a listening ear, a steady hand, and a heart full of compassion.

Jim found joy in the simple things—growing vegetables in his garden; beaming with modest pride over the size of his blackberries, onions, and parsnips; casting a line into the quiet mountain lakes he loved to fish. The family also enjoyed countless camping trips, especially with the three boys, who to this day all share their father’s love of the outdoors.  Music runs in the Rathjen family, and Jim’s steel and acoustic guitars were a means of worship and rest, often played side by side with Sandi on her ukulele. In his younger years, he raced sailboats on Okanagan Lake, with Sandi as his trusty crew. Later, as a father, Saturdays were for skiing: he and the family spent many joyful winters with season passes at Big White.

Jim’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life, shaping not just what he believed, but how he lived. His days often began in quiet prayer, Bible open, waiting for the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit. He was a man whose gentleness, humility, and deep sense of service could be seen in countless quiet acts—visiting those in prison, giving haircuts to men in recovery, or simply listening to someone who needed to talk. Whether lifting his hand in worship with tears in his eyes or offering his time and resources without fanfare, Jim gave of himself freely, never seeking recognition. His legacy isn’t one of riches or accolades, but of lives touched, hearts softened, and people who felt truly seen, loved, and valued in his presence. His life was, in every way, a song of devotion: tender, unwavering, and full of grace.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honour on SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025, AT 1:00 PM, located at EVANGEL CHURCH, 3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC.  If you would like to attend the service virtually, you can RSVP for Live Stream here. Note: We will email the link out before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to J.E.M. via Evangel Church (Click Here). Please include the memo “Jim Rathjen”.  J.E.M. is an outreach ministry that Jim supported as a board member, which serves residents of several impoverished villages in Sonora, Mexico.

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

Service
Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM

Location
Evangel Church

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for RATHJEN, James Donald “Jim” is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, 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:

Evangel Church

3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Donald Leman says:
    April 18, 2025 at 11:14 am

    My sincere sympathy to the family in the loss of Jim.
    My wife and I moved to the Kelowna area in 1975 and Jim was my barber. Our conversations in the chair were insturmental in me coming to faith. Jim also introduced me to sailing and sold me my first boat. I remember him with much fondness and am thankful for his influence in my life.

    Reply
  • Dianne and Clint Eccles says:
    April 19, 2025 at 9:06 am

    Dear Sandi and family.
    It is with deep sadness that we heard of Jim’s passing. Knowing his love for Jesus and his gentle ways we are certain to meet again. Still there is the grief of loss to struggle through. We pray for comfort and support of your family and friends not only today but in the future. You will remain on our hearts. Clint and Dianne Eccles.

    Reply
  • Richard and Dorothy Cummings says:
    April 19, 2025 at 1:57 pm

    After decades of Jim strapping me into his chair, and countless interesting discussions, it is difficult to grasp what has happened. Jim was a unique individual, a genuine nice guy who was always ready to help others. He will be missed, especially once per month when Dorothy tells me, “Go see Jim”……

    Reply
  • Ken Johnson says:
    April 19, 2025 at 2:34 pm

    What a shock…I’m very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing…..My condolences to the Rathjen family….Sandi and the boys…..Jim was by barber since the early 70’s when he had his first shop downtown and over the years we have had many chats about tons of subjects…..religion, travel, health issues, planting tomato plants…lol…..and various other subjects….our latest conversation was about “old Kelowna” and all the changes…..One memory we also just talked about was him growing tomato plants for his boys to sell…..my wife even knew the boys at Pearson Elementary….May God bless all of his family and friends with wonderful memories of a very good man. You will certainly be missed….Ken Johnson

    Reply
  • David Mapleton says:
    April 23, 2025 at 9:26 am

    I am deeply saddened to learn of Jim’ s passing. Jim has been cutting my hair for almost 30 years now. I would look forward to sitting in the chair and discussing fishing, fly tying and much more while Jim made me once more presentable to to the world. I will miss him.

    Reply

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