We Remember
WOODS, James Leslie
July 4, 1938 — March 29, 2021
It is with broken hearts and much sadness that we announce on March 29, 2021 the sudden passing of James Leslie Woods beloved husband of Joan; loving father of Michael, James, & Kimberly; Grandpa of David, Ryan, Jordan, John & Richard; and Great-grandfather to 15 great-grandchildren. Jim will be deeply missed by his siblings Faith, Allan (Terry) Norman, Hugh, brother-in-law John, sister-in-law Karin, & many nephews and nieces. Jim was predeceased by his parents Les and Anne Woods (Cassidy); his brothers Gerry & George; twin sister Jane; brother-in-law Al; and nephew Garth.
Jim was born July 4, 1938 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He loved mechanics and worked with Air Canada for over 30 years; He was well respected in his profession and loved his job. His job with Air Canada took him from Winnipeg to Toronto, ON to Vancouver, BC. In 1969, he married his wife Joan, and they were together for over 52 years. They loved each other deeply and Joan is so very blessed to have had this amazing man by her side. He loved his family and this love was extended to all who he met. Jim also loved his dogs Jasmine & Buddy and was known to some as the dog whisperer. Joan & Jim moved to Kelowna, BC in 2006 and that is where they were currently residing.
Jim loved the Lord and all who knew him evidenced this in his gentle kind loving spirit. Most who came in contact with him will tell you he made a big impact on their lives. He was always willing to listen and his welcoming smile made you feel at ease.
Jim, I will miss your daily kisses and never ending love you surrounded me with. My friend, soul mate partner, my everything, my BELOVED. Though my heart is broken and aches I will fill the heartache & void with my never ending memories of you, my precious Jim, until we meet again in heaven. -Joan
Joan wishes to express heartfelt thanks for the tremendous out pouring of messages, caring, meals, and love received from family, friends and neighbors, and she especially thanks her great group of friends (too many to name) who are surrounding her and uplifting her and the family during this very difficult time. She is also very thankful for her grandsons David and Jordan who are able to be at her side.
A celebration of Jim’s amazing life will be held in Winnipeg later this year, with the date to follow, as well as a small gathering of close friends and family will celebrate Jim in Kelowna, also at a later date this year (both will depend on gathering guidelines and restrictions).
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Kelowna SPCA.
To post your condolences or special memories of Jim to share with the family please scroll down to the area called “Condolences”
Share with Others:
Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Kelowna SPCA Link: www.heartandstroke.ca, spca.bc.ca/locations/kelowna
Condolences
I am so sad to hear this news, my condolences to Joan and the whole family. As a young man, I met the entire Woods clan… my neighbors, and Jim and his brother Norman were my mentors and friends, along with their father Less… I became a part of their clan as a friend and my life took a better turn in the process. I remember the wisdom Jim would share with me as a fellow believer and my life has been impacted since, sometimes God puts Angel’s in your path to help you see certain things, and that’s what meeting Jim did for me! R.I.P. in the lord brother Jim, we are all blessed to have shared in a little part of life with you!! .. MJB😪🌷
My brother Jim I will miss our long talks, all the laughs we had together and your wonderful sense of humor and especially your amazing love Your sister Faith
We’re so sad that Jim has passed. We will always treasure our memories of Jim’s gentle, kind & considerate nature as our wonderful neighbour. We would always have a quick chat with him on his frequent Buddy walks. He was always keen to support Joan in all her social activities including dressing up at themed parties! He always had a smile on his face & was very friendly – despite his physical discomforts. We will miss Jim, our wonderfully caring friend & neighbour.
Rest easy Jim, we will be there for your “Joanie.”
It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart I announce the passing of my beloved father I am at a loss for words He was well loved by many people I love you Dad with all my heart your son always JAMES WOODS JR
This is one of the hardest things i’ve ever had to do. To say good bye to my Dad, He was my HERO!! The kindest, loving, caring person. I praise God for blessing me with having you as my Dad, I will miss you every day, I love you with all my broken heart….Till we meet again my sweet Angel.
Your loving Daughter
Kimberly
Jim….you will be greatly missed. You have been such great friend to me and my son.. Yonu and Joan were the rock for me
It is our prayers that God will comfort you and your whole family during this sad time. May He richly bless
bless you as you mourn and may the light of His presence be a continual source of consolation. The world has lost an incredible life, he will be remembered by us all as the kind, loving and thoughtful person he was to everyone. Bless you Jim, for you gave us all such great memories to Cherish!
We love you eternally,
Gaby, Bruce, Erik and Nikolas
We are just devastated by the news of Jim’s passing. Jim has been such a wonderful member of our family and we have so many wonderful memories to comfort us. We shared many milestone celebrations together that we cannot even count them all. Jim was our Joanie’s soulmate and a terrific father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin and friend. We will miss your smile, your laugh, your serious discussions, your hospitality and genuine love for all of us. All our love. Lorraine, Mark, Lisa, and Kayla
Another photo – from when we visited you in Richmond! xoxoxo
From Auntie Hilda’s 90TH Birthday in Winnipeg at Dubrovnik’s. Such great memories with your mother-in-law, Hazel, cousin Pearl and your beautiful wife, Joan.
To Dear Joan and families. So sorry to hear the passing of your very loving husband, father and grandfather. Sending you our deepest condolences. Indeed he was a great man and his spiritual beliefs that touches our hearts. We had few happy memories and good times with Jim and You Joan. The funny memories will remain. May your day Joan that the Lord be beside you always. RIP Jim
family and many loving
Just two years ago for Joanie’s 70TH Birthday. Such a great visit – we always had the best time together. xoxoxo
It is with great sadness that I write this. Jim was always so very kind, caring and geniune to me. He felt like family and I am going to miss him so very very much. He had a heart of gold. I feel a great loss in my life!
Our heartfelt condolences to you Joan and your family. We both have such wonderful memories of Jim. We remember meeting Jim, Michael, Jimmy and Kimberley and all the Friday evenings our two families spent together, either at your house or ours – what laughs we had. Jim also had the honour of being one of Hazel’s two favorite men (Allen being the other). We also have fond memories of our B.C. visits – not often enough – and every time you both visited Winnipeg, you never forgot to spend time with us. We know Joan and Buddy will miss you immensely, but rest easy knowing they have caring family and friends who will always be there for them. You will never be forgotten. “Your smile has gone forever, and your hand we cannot touch – we have so many memories, of a friend we loved so much.}
Deepest condolences. What a kind and gentle soul. He was always ready with a smile. Jim will be greatly missed.
I am so sad to hear of our loss of Jim. He was a great friend and mentor to my son who refers to him as the dad he never had . Jim and Joan have been my rock since i met them almost 35 years ago. My only comfort is that he is with our Lord and rejoicing. I will miss our friendship. Till we meet again.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Dad We are devasted and our hearts break We love you and know we will see you in heaven one day Love your sons Michael and Jimmy
Jim, you will be SO dearly missed. When I think of you, I think of your sparkling eyes, warm smile, tight hugs and a heart of gold! I also fondly think of your love for animals, and your sweet shadow Buddy following you around. I’ve always felt so honoured to be invited to all of your birthday celebrations, anniversaries and events. You and Joan have always thrown such great parties, surrounded by so much love and of course dancing!! I have never known two people to be more in love that you and Joan. Thank you for showing me that kind of love. Whenever I’ve been around you two, I’ve always just admired that and I know it has inspired many. The hole you will leave behind will be unbearable for many, but I promise you we will take good care of your Joanie and look out for her. I know you will be watching over xo Rest in Peace
My dear friend I am looking forward to the day we can all come together and celebrate a life well -lived . In the mean time Slainte .
Our neighborhood dog Halloween will certainly be missing Jim’s smile and costume participation with Joan and Buddy. The time we have had the privilege of knowing Jim has been wonderful. Always being met by a welcoming guy who genuinely made an effort to be friendly and welcoming to anyone who came his way!
Jim will be missed and we send our hugs and caring thoughts.
Brother Hugh
Deeply missed by Grandsons John Richard and Jordan Love You Grandpa
Jim and his first dog Jasmine He loved animals and they could sense his gentle spirit
It was a true pleasure to know you Jim. We will miss you. Here is a picture of Joan & Jim and 007 James Bond at our place.
Our dear friend Jim has left such an incredible legacy. He touched the lives of so many people in a deep and profound way. Being in his presence always brought joy, laughter and the feeling that you were loved and respected. His great love for Joan, family, friends and the good Lord was abundantly clear. We send our deepest condolences to Joan and family. We will miss Jim s0 very much. Vivian and Rick.
I met Jim while Joan was looking for a house back in 2013. What a wonderful coincidence to have met them together. My first impression of this lovely man was instant like. He had a wide smile and Buddy in his arms. Our first conversation was as if I knew him forever.. I could see in him with his red hair and easy manner that we would have been great buddies in our youth. I know we wouldn’t have been the quietist guys. He had that mischievous look in those eyes.. yet there was a masculine softness about him. There should be a special spot in heaven for Jim. One that has a large screen for his Play Station games and a well equipped garage for his mechanic skills. He could build God a hell of a hot rod.. I wish we had you for much longer. Good-bye Jimmy Boy.
Jim was a wonderful, kind, loving man. Jim and Joans kindness and true love for each other was timeless. Jim was a true dog whisperer and looked after my dog Bailey on many occasions. Joan and Jim’s house was one of Baileys favorite places to visit. Joan and Jim became very dear friends of mine and were always there for me. The joy Jim brought to my life and Baileys will never be forgotten. We will miss you Jim. Gillian and Bailey
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Hi Aunty Joan, I am so so very sorry to hear about Uncle Jim. It is so difficult to lose those who have been with us our entire lives. It is so incredibly heartbreaking. Though we may have lived apart, I have so many happy childhood memories with you both. I am so appreciative of the time, that as an adult, I was able to have with him. To be able to spend time with him at these stages of our lives has truly been a blessing for me. Even more wonderful memories were formed. He has been so vibrant and always, always had a smile for me, and it made me feel so loved. And always so much fun and so many laughs. These are moments I treasure deeply. And I will miss him incredibly.
From all of us, you are in our thoughts ❤️. Please take care of yourself throughout this difficult time. We are here for you ❤️.
Love,
Sherri, Dave and your (Winnipeg) Woods family
Allan Woods
Dear Joan: Rachel and I are very sad for you. I can only echo what Steve has said above. From the time we met when I was 14 years old, you and Jim have always done your best for us – such warm hospitality over the years. We’ll miss Jim very much and will be thinking of you.
Sheila and I so saddened to hear this news…..you and Jim always welcomed us into your home and Jim always had a smile on his face, we have nothing but good memories…..our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Joan, the love you two have for each other is truly so special and one of a kind. I would always look at you two and think how I’ve never met two people who are more like soul mates. People only wish for a love like you two had. Jims eyes would sparkle every time he looked at you. Your love story is the most inspiring thing, and you both are truly the most wonderful of souls. We love you and are here for you and thinking of you and your sweet darling Jim
Auntie Joan I am so sorry we are sending love and hugs and you are in our prayers. 🙏
May he Rest In Peace in the living arms of Jesus. 🥺♥️
We love you
Gerry and Tracy
I’m sorry grandma I can’t believe he’s gone. He was probably my biggest influence in life. I always looked up to grandpa always wished I could
Be just like him. He will be so missed.
Oh Joan, I wish I was there to hug you. I am so, so, sorry for your loss of Jim. You and Jim played such a huge role in my life, that I don’t even have words. My love and condolences to all of your kids, grandkids and extended family.
Joan, We are shocked and heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. We considered him a very dear friend and recall with fondness our times spent with both of you. Whenever we got together no matter how much time had passed it was like we were never apart.
It is a comfort to know we will see him again. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
John and Diane
Truly a special man Joan! I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I have never met two people who relied on each other, supported each other and loved each other more than the two of you! You and Jim have touched so many lives together and I am so grateful to have had the honor to know him!
Joan – we so loved this man!!! And the couple you are!! We are saddened for you but rejoice that he is with his beloved Father. We are sure Jane and him are rejoicing together 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕
I was married to Jim’s twin sister for 49 years. Although we didn’t often get to see him I always thought of him as a great human being in so many ways.
Joan and family I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing I went to school with Jim and we both joined the reserves in the 70’s we had great times, cars ,motorcycles ,camping, party’s and get together with all our friends, one great guy.
RIP my friend.
My dear friend Joan,
I am sending my deepest condolences for the loss of dear Jim, your husband, friend and soulmate. I have so many great memories of you two and Robert and me together since way back in the late 80’s when we met.
Although that we are both feeling our losses, I praise God that Jim and Robert are together in heaven where they can have good, long chats like they loved to do.
Sending hugs and comforting thoughts.
I’ve tried to write something here 5 times and nothing seems enough.
I had the great privilege of rooming with Joan and Jim for an extended period of time and both made me feel like family. Countless days Jim would spend time with someone who needed encouragement, prayer or mentoring or just a listening freind. He was always ready to care for another person and that came right from deep In His heart.
I’m so sorry Joan for your great loss. Yours was a genuine deep and true love and the world is a sadder place without Jim in it.
Everyday since Uncle Jim left us. Michelle and I think of you Aunt Joan and all of the joys we have shared ! We have been so blessed by you both ! Our family has been forever impacted by Jim and Joan, as have so many others. Love Kevin , Michelle and family.
Hi Joan, I am so sorry to respond so late as I just found out today. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was such a wonderful gentleman, a kind spirit, who loved the Lord with all his heart. I am sure he is rejoicing in heaven with the heavenly host and fellow believers! I also want to thank you Joan for your hospitality all those years back in Richmond and White Rock.
All the best to you and your family. Maurice