We Remember
STUART, James Henry
April 23, 1934 — March 21, 2020
A Memorial Service will be held to honour Jim, due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only, however the family would like to invite all who would like to pay their respects to join by livestream on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 1:00 pm (see below).
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather James “Jim” Henry Stuart who passed away peacefully on March 21, 2020 at the age of 85.
He will be remembered with love and gratitude by his wife, Anna, and their three children Heather (Tony), Sheila (Bruce), and Charles (Valerie); and their six grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Tyler, Ashley, Jaclyn and Megan.
Jim was born in Kelowna in 1934 and graduated from Rutland High School in 1953. He bought an orchard in South-East Kelowna and over the years farmed a total of 40 acres. He married Anna in 1955 and they raised their children on the orchard. During his years as an orchardist, he was active in various organizations of the fruit industry: B.C. Tree Fruits, Sun-Rype Products Ltd, and Fruit Growers Mutual Insurance. He was honored for his application of new approaches to orcharding.
James was elected to the Kelowna Hospital Board in 1967 and this led to 31 years of commitment to public service. He served for 29 years on the Central Okanagan Regional District, both as a director and chairman. He was elected to Kelowna City council in 1973 and was elected as Mayor in 1986. He served as Mayor for 10 years and retired in 1996. Jim also served on the BC Transit Authority and was Chairman of the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia for 12 years.
Jim was an active member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in East Kelowna and served as an Honorary Auditor.
During his career, Jim was passionate about the acquisition of park land. Upon his retirement, Stuart Park was created along the waterfront in his honor, and he was made a Freeman of the City of Kelowna. He was known for his common-sense approach, and willingness to listen.
During his retirement, Jim enjoyed playing golf and participating in the lives of his grandchildren.
Although, Jim had health issues in the last few years, he never lost his sense of humor, or his calm and friendly manner.
A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com or the B.C. Cancer Agency – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, www.bccancer.bc.ca. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/BROADCAST SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 AT 1:00 PM
So sorry Anna and family. Jim was such an amazing and kind man, and we
know he will be missed. Love and prayers Kristal and Kit Polley
The loss of Jim Stuart is an enormous loss for the City of Kelowna. However, the gain that the entire City received as a result of Jim’s contribution to our community is immeasurable. I had the great privilege of working with Jim as a City Councillor for ten years and looked to him for leadership and mentorship not only while on Council but thereafter in many other areas. Jim was a man of gentle leadership, unwavering integrity, sincere listener, good humor and dedication to the betterment of mankind. He was a friend and an inspiration. He will be missed and remembered in so many good ways!
We send our prayers and condolences to Anna and her entire family with love and respect, Tom and Mary Ann Smithwick
Dear Anna and family
It has been an honour and a joy to know you and Jim as such a wonderful team, who have given so much in leadership to make Kelowna the great city it is. Thank you. We will miss your Jim. Prayers and love, Beryl Baldeo
Having been raised in South Kelowna I remember Mr. Stuart as being a main fixture of the community. My mom and dad ( Howard and Nelle Beairsto) enjoyed a long friendship with him…I a very sorry for your loss…Lori Beairsto
Dear Anna and family,
One of my very early memories as a kid of 3 or 4 is going with my Dad, Peter, to visit your house on the hill. Jim had an amazing electric train set up on plywood in one of your rooms. I watched it go around and do all the things it could, and even got to drive for a stretch. That is perhaps a little glimpse of Jim’s love and kindness. Although I moved away from Kelowna at a young age, I watched from afar as he carried on his friendship and service to the community. I did enjoy visits with you and Jim occasionally when I came back home, and was always received with the same warm welcome.
Having watched your video here, I see that same love and warmth portrayed throughout.
I know Jim will be missed, as is Peter, and will live on in all our wonderful memories . And when arriving at the gate, I believe he was greeted with “Well done!” Matt 25:21 – with love, Mark & Anna Stirling
To Anna and your family, Jim was such a respected individual by the old-timers of Kelowna. My Mom and Dad always referred to Jim with admiration and fondness as Mayor – and they were so thrilled when Stuart Park was named in his honour. An honour so richly deserved. I am thankful for the last opportunity we had to see Jim and you with Val, Charles and the girls over pizza at your pool a couple of summers ago. May you find comfort in the many years of wonderful memories and life you shared as captured by the lovely pictures in the video you posted to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Our deepest condolences, Elsie and Cathy Corrigan