We Remember

TORHJELM, James Edward Palmer
March 19, 1937 — June 6, 2024
Born March 19, 1937, in Camrose, Alberta, the son of Harold and Blanch Torhjelm, he passed away June 6, 2024, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 87 years old.
Jim is sadly missed by his wife of 64 years, Bette; his children Dan, Randy (Alanna), Ron, and Sandra (Andrew); grandchildren Ethan, Candice, Sheldon, Nicole, Curtis, Brittany, Joshua, Brett, and Scottie; great-grandchildren Nina & Amelia and Niya.
Jim met Bette at a softball game in Red Deer, AB in 1955. The next year they were married, August 28, 1959. Jim was working for Pioneer Electric at the time.
Jim enjoyed music, especially singing and playing the guitar. From the time he was very young, he was always ready to help others.
His early years were spent on the farm with his parents and six siblings. Over the years, Jim had various jobs. He operated an oil and gas station. Ably assisted by Bette, he had a pig farm, managed a shoe store, and a trucking and courier service.
When Bette and Jim moved to Kelowna in 1985, Jim worked for a local stationery store. Later, Jim and Bette managed Okanagan Chateau retirement residence and travelled across Canada with this company.
Jim finished his career driving the residents of Sandalwood Retirement to and from appointments for 14 years: “Jim – Thank you for all you did to get our residents to and from Sandalwood safely. We like how you Roll!”.
Jim and Bette have been valuable volunteers in the Kelowna and district Genealogy society and the local chapter of the Parkinsons Society of BC. They were also long-time members of the Mission Creek Alliance Church. Jim will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be held on SUNDAY, July 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at the Mission Creek Alliance Church: 2091 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. Internment will be in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
SUNDAY, July 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM
Location
Mission Creek Alliance Church, 2091 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC
Dear Bette and family. I will be praying that the Lord will comfort you at this unhappy time in your life. I know what it is to lose a mate, and send my sympathies. God bless. From a sort of relative. Phyllis.
My condolences to Bette and family
John Foster
Dear Bette. So sad to hear about Jim. Such a kind and sweet man with a great smile. I’m away right now but you’re in my thoughts through this sad time. xoxo
Betty and family. Sorry for your loss. “A life well lived”. James was a great guy.
Bette, I am so sorry to read that Jim passed away. Jim & Dennis worked together at Pioneer Electric and we became good friends, having many great times together (camping in one tent 😜). My condolences to your family. 💕