We Remember
REID, James Alexander
March 28, 1980 — April 12, 2024
James Alexander Reid, age 44, passed away suddenly on the morning of April 12, 2024, in his home in Kelowna, BC. He is survived by his mother Lorena; Father Derek; Step-Father Jim; siblings Angela (Chris), Colleen (Dan), Sean (Amanda), Chad, Mike (Maria), and Sara (Jeff); and his beloved nieces and nephews, Kyra, Thomas, Sage, Skye, Kai, Leif, and Finley.
James was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1980. The joys James brought into the world were endless. At the age of 1, James moved with his parents and big sister Angela to Edmonton, where two more siblings were born, Colleen and Sean.
As a very young child, James had a voracious appetite, which helped him grow into his 6’3 viking warrior frame. James also loved to eat dirt. A lot of dirt! James and his three siblings loved to play in the forest of the family acreage, build things with their father, listen to their mother sing and play her guitar, and receive her teachings about the plants and animals that surrounded their home in the country. When he learned to walk, if outside, he’d pick up the closest stick and toddle around with it. Those sticks eventually morphed into his hammers, guitars, and paint brushes.
James was Hercules, Spider-Man, and a motorcycle cowboy, all In one. His mother’s high school ring (which he snuck from her jewel box), was really a Hercules ring. A mesh onion bag over his head instantly transformed him into Spider-Man, and the swing set teeter-totter was his trusty steed where he’d often rock himself to sleep, dreaming of wide open spaces and endless horizons, which we’re sure he is finding more of now. He loved music and would frequently fall asleep in his child-sized rocking chair, headphones on, listening to his Fred Penner records.
When James was 10, his mother and three siblings moved to Kelowna, BC, where the family eventually grew to include a step-father, Jim, two step-siblings, Mike and Sara, and his half-brother, Chad.
As a youth, James was intensely curious and imaginative, and loved to invent things. This intense curiosity also resulted in the disassembling of many toys, mostly not his, discarded electrical equipment, and anything else that hid unknown details and workings.
As he grew into adulthood, his love for invention and creativity went on to include music and art. James became a gifted visual artist, guitar player, singer-songwriter, music producer and videographer, recording several songs, albums, and music videos of his unique and often haunting music. He was also a talented carpenter, and worked for the family company of his friend and brother-in-law, Chris, for several years before finally taking the bold and courageous leap into entrepreneurship. In this way, he could have the freedom and flexibility he needed to dedicate most of his time to his true passion, producing his music and art.
James was a deeply sensitive, empathetic, and compassionate person. He surrounded himself with a group of eclectic friends who treasured his salt-of-the-earth authenticity and Wild West spirit. James loved his family and friends fiercely, and they loved him back more than words can ever express. His unexpected passing has left all who loved James with a void that now can only be filled with his kind, sweet, and gentle spirit, which lives on in the music and art he left behind, and in all of those whose hearts he touched.
James was on a long, enduring path of healing and personal growth. While he had struggled much of his life with mental health and alcoholism, he was never a quitter. James was a ninja warrior, and so full of grit and determination to overcome his demons. On the morning of his unexpected passing, James had been texting with family and friends to make plans for the day, recently sharing that he was working on his sobriety and was on a waitlist for support. Though the cause of his passing will not be known for several months, over the previous year, James had been sharing with his family and friends that he was in a place of peace and acceptance, and that he had finally found joy in his life. We are all so comforted that James left this earthly plane on such a high note. When you see a rainbow, think of his huge, loving, and generous heart, which he gifted some and kept hidden to many. Remember to say “hi” and send him your love. He is most certainly sending his love back to you.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in James’ name to The Bridge, Youth & Family Services – Recovery & Addiction Services.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 with further details to be communicated to friends and family.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, August 3, 2024
I remember James from South Kelowna Elementary with his zest for life..
Condolences to his family.
Sending heartfelt condolences to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time of heartbreaking loss. Sending love and hugs
Cheryl and Kevin
We are so sorry to here of the passing of James. Really glad he was able to share with you the peace he had found.
Thinking of you. Condolences to all the family.
James was a force of nature! He burned very bright. I’m so sorry for all the tremendous pain his family is going through, but I’m comforted to know that James is at peace. Love to all. Laura
Dear Lorena, Jim and family. It is with a very heavy heart to send our condolences to the loss of James. Our family have wonderful memories of James as a young man. We know first hand how talented he was in many things especially in his music and dong writing. He even wrote and made a CD as a tribute to our daughter we lost in 2007. We shall cherish forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. RIP James and thank you for have being a part of our lives. 💔
We are so sorry for your loss and are grieving with you. Please know that you as a family are in our thoughts and we pray that you will sense James’ spirit around you each day. Love, Lesley and Wolfgang
Sending condolences to my family across the pond Especially my cousin Lorna ❤️ As a mum I can’t imagine your loss 💔 even death can not break that Bond ❤️ Although I didn’t get to meet my cousin James I just know in my heart we would have laughed so hard together. This is a Beautiful tribute to your life James and one day we will meet I know that much 🙏 so until then I will celebrate your beautiful soul you had all the attributes of a decent human being. We all have our demons but you are no longer fighting yours you are at one with yourself.
Stand down cousin James and look over your family especially your mum.
Sending all my love and strength to my family Angie and all your family across the pond in Liverpool x James You will never walk alone ❤️
Dear Lorena, Jim and all your beautiful family who lovingly become one. Don and I send our deepest sincere condolences to you all. You will always have wonderful memories of James in your hearts, that over time will be such comfort to you all. XX
James, you were a great cousin, son, brother and uncle. My only regret is that we never spent more time together.
Aunt Lorena, Uncle Derek, Angela, Colleen, Sean and all of James’ extended family: I am deeply sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.
Cousin Brett
Dear Lorena, Jim and family, We are sending you our most sincere condolences for the loss of James. We remember him as someone who had passion for his work and music. You will remain in our hearts and our prayers. May God bless you as you grieve the loss of James, and live in the hope of his resurrection.