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 was held in his honour on May 10, 2025, AT 1:00 PM at Evangel Church, Kelowna, BC. Click here to watch the recording of 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:

    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.

  • Dianne and Clint Eccles says:

    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.

  • Richard and Dorothy Cummings says:

    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”……

  • Ken Johnson says:

    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

  • David Mapleton says:

    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.

  • Bob and Mary Hardy says:

    Dear Sandi and family we are really saddened by the sudden loss of Jim. He was such a kind and considerate man who loved the Lord and life in general. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

  • ken scott says:

    I am shocked and deeply saddened by Jim’s sudden passing. He was more than just my barber for the passed 27 years. he was the kindest most gentle man I’ve ever known. We had many talks about fishing, skiing and he was my gardening guru. He will be sadly missed. My sincere condolances to Jim’s faily

  • Marilyn Wayne Siewert says:

    Sandy – we were so shocked with the sudden passing of Jim. Cousin Jim was a very special family member who looked out for his aging aunts and uncles along with you. Such a blessing to the body of Christ and example to all of us. You and the family will continue to be in our prayers for comfort. Sending our love your way. Marilyn and Wayne Siewert

  • Joanne jay says:

    Sandi
    So saddenened to learn of Jim’s passing. He will be missed greatly by you and your family as well as in the community. Another gentle soul with God.

  • Kurt Amsler says:

    We are very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing..I have know Jim for many, many years. He was a real gentleman, always in good spirit. Jim will be sorely missed by all his friends. Our deepest sympaties to all his family.

  • Rick Longva says:

    My deepest condolences to the family. I first started to come to Jim in 1991. He was always a pleasure to be with. We would often talk about spiritual matters and I always left with a deeper appreciation of our Lord. He would often recommend a book and writers that would add to my journey into knowing Christ. He was/is a treasure to me, and I will miss him deeply.

  • Anthony Mackay says:

    I found Jim by a stroke of luck right before my wedding, 6 years ago. When I was in desperate need of a last minute haircut, he made the time. I never went elsewhere thereafter. Although we had an age difference of 40 years I always looked forward to the conversation, Jim always asked about my wife, my parents, and my grandmother. I’ll miss our conversations. My sincere condolences to his entire family and friends. He will be missed.

  • Aubrey Baptist says:

    I’ve been a customer of Jim’s since 1997 and I like to think we’ve become friends of a sort. I know I am going to miss his friendly voice that always had a smile in it and left you feeling like he values you in a way that few people ever do. My sincere condolences for all who loved and knew him, but especially Sandi and the family. <3 God's speed Jim! <3

  • Mary-lin Law says:

    To Jim’s family…
    Mary-lin ,Debbie and Elgin McCann and Cathy McFadyen were blessed by prayer meetings where the Holy Spirit could be felt…….. Jesus bless his family and continue to grow his spiritual fruit!

  • Patricia Perry says:

    My deepest condolences to you Sandi, Shane, Mike and Steve. Jim was such an inspiration to our family and helped us to heal. His non-judging smile and advise meant so much. My heart goes out to you all for the loss you have in your lives. However, a joy crosses my heart as well, for he is able to be with Jesus now, the one he served with his whole being.

  • Larry Schweitzer says:

    So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.My condolenes to his family, will miss the cmbrt
    So sorry to here of Jims passing, My condolences to his family, l will realy miss him..

  • Bill and Diana Roper says:

    We’re so sad to have known such a fine gentleman for such a short time and we know he will be dearly missed and fondly remembered . Our heartfelt condolences to his family.

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