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 Details

The service for REID, James Alexander is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2024. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

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