April 3, 1944 - September 2, 2019
James Richard Blakeway "Jim" died peacefully on September 2nd, 2019 surrounded by his family at Shuswap Lake Hospital, following a six-month battle with lung disease. Born in Burnaby on April 3, 1944, Jim is survived by his beloved daughters Elizabeth Blakeway and Emily McIsaac, and
sons-in-law Darren Anderson and Jordan McIsaac and his four adoring grandchildren, Rowen and Nova McIsaac and Eliette and Cole Anderson. Jim is predeceased by his wife, Sue Blakeway, whom he greatly missed every day.
Jim fell in love with the Kootenays as a young man and moved to the Trail area in the mid-60s, beginning a career with the City of Trail. He was an activist at heart, fascinated by the American draft dodger movement, and drawn to people with a story (and able to draw a story out of most people). Jim's curiosity of the world led him to China, Peru, Australia, and the US. Traveling with his family filled his soul and his memory for the details of those trips was uncanny.
Jim was the gentlest of souls, unfailingly friendly and quick to give what he could, if not the shirt off his back then a couple bucks, a cigarette, or an attentive ear to listen. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life - good company, good food and drink - and took gentle care of those he loved most (including caring for an ailing father-in-law). Perhaps most, he looked forward to conversations with Sue, in the kitchen, at the end of the day. And later he enjoyed the same, conversation with his daughters/ sons-in-law, brother Bill and grandchildren - recounting stories of times at Johnson's Landing or sharing about a book he was reading or documentary he had watched.
Those who knew Jim best are forever grateful to have had time with him; to call him Dad (in-law), G-Pa, brother, and friend. He made everyone feel welcome - like you belonged. His grandkids will deeply miss their silly "G-Pa" and remember his little jigs, funny rhymes and teasing nature. His daughters will miss the flats of seasonal fruit left on the porch and having dad just "check-in" at the end of each day. Their love for him is abounding!
A true celebration of Jimmy-Dick's life will be held in the Shuswap area, where he was living with his daughters, on Sunday, October 13th. Contact Emily McIsaac for details (250-521-0558 or emily.blakeway@gmail.com).
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to your local SPCA, Doctors Without Borders, or the Knowledge Network.