February 20, 1934 – September 27, 2020
at the age of 86 years
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jim on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Polson Special Care Facility in Vernon BC. He is survived by his wife Donna, his daughter April Goodwin-Smith, his sister Gwenn Campbell (Frank), his brother Ted Goodwin (Joeanna), and his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews.
Jim was born on February 20, 1934 in Ryley, Alberta to Jack and Myrtle Goodwin. He was the seventh of eight brothers and sisters. After attending schools in many small towns in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Jim graduated from Surveying and Drafting from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (then known as The Provincial Institute of Technology and Art) in Calgary in 1952. He worked in Edmonton with a land survey company, surveying well-sites and assisting in the construction of the hangars at Cold Lake Airbase in North Eastern Alberta. He next worked with the City of Calgary, and while in Calgary married his wife Donna (1954) and welcomed daughter April (1956).
In 1957 Jim moved his family to Penticton where he secured a job with Ford, Bacon and Davis, the contractor for the natural gas line being built all across the BC interior. Then he was hired by Inland Natural Gas when the new company formed. Jim worked and travelled wherever the gas line was built. During that time, he and his family lived in Penticton, Kelowna, Penticton again, Kamloops, Trail and finally Vancouver. In all locations he was involved mostly in the measurement department. He was with Inland when it changed to BC Gas and then to Fortis. After 35 years with the same company, Jim retired in 1992. Jim and Donna moved to Tappen by Salmon Arm where they spent a few years building their dream home. Jim enjoyed working with his hands, building houses and furniture.
In Penticton, Jim participated in Toastmasters which sponsored the first timed Float Race down the Penticton canal, including a River Queen (one of the members in drag) on the first floating platform. In Kamloops Jim was involved with the Society of Engineering Technologists of British Columbia, working to clarify definitions and foster recognition of the members. In Trail Jim was an active member in the Rotary Club – even sponsoring an exchange student, who remained a lifelong friend. In Tappen, Jim volunteered with the Sunnybrae Fire Department Board, the Community Hall Association, and he was a sound man for the monthly Sunnybrae Coffee Houses. His last volunteer role was with the Sunnybrae Water System, bringing it up to standard to be assumed by the CSRD.
In 2017, Jim and Donna sold their house and moved into Salmon Arm. In 2018 Jim’s Alzheimer’s had progressed to the point where he needed more care. Since then most of his time was at Polson Special in Vernon where he was treated with respect and loving care. Jim was a soft-spoken man, with a loving gentle nature, who was loved, trusted and respected by his family, friends, and colleagues. Jim is going to be very missed by his family and friends.
Because of COVID, there will only be a very small family gathering at this time. A larger memorial will be held when larger gatherings are permitted again. Instead of flowers, please send a donation in Jim’s name to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. https://vjhfoundation.org/
Donna, we were very sorry to read that Jim had passed away. Both Donna and I (Mark) and our children Scott and Courtney remember Jim as a very kind and interesting person to be around. Our condolences go out to you and your family.
I remember Jim fondly as a wonderful volunteer for the T/SB fire department when I worked at the CSRD. He was so competent and always had the best interests of the community in his heart. His passing is a great loss. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I will always remember Jim as a quiet, thoughtful man both as an example and a mentor to me and many others during our Inland years. Condolences to his family…..I am sure you miss him very much!
We will remember Jim as kind, thoughtful, engaging and curious…a wonderful man who is missed.
Our love to you all.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Donna & April. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending our love and prayers your way. Jim was a kind and gentle man. He will live on in our fond memories.
Dear April and Mrs. Goodwin, I’m so sad because of this news. I always keept you all in my thougths.
After so many years, I could get back to Trail in 2018, and was expecting to see you too, but I was told you just moved.
Blessings to Mr. Goodwin, and a big hugh to you both.
Love.
Marina Bolio
Rotary Exchange Student 1983-1984.
Donna
We first met the two of you when we moved to the Properties. That was back in the days when we could all get out for a walk after supper. Jim led me into the firehall and there I learned what a positive force he was in our community. I continued to watch him on our water committee. His many endearing qualities while in the service of the community have made it a better place to be.
We send you our sincerest condolences.
On behalf of my family I am sending you our deepest Condolences of the loss of Uncle Jim. I have so many fond memories that I will forever cherish the time spent with Uncle Jim along with Aunt Donna & April.
May you find the strength with each other as well as the many people’s lives he has touched, you will forever have the love of an amazing man surrounding you, and an angel watching over you.
So sorry for your loss Donna. My God’s peace follow you and shelter you. Take care, Melanie.
Rest in Paradise Uncle Jjm. You were always such a sweet gentle man. You will be missed Uncle. Lots of love Rip❤
Our Deepest Sympathy and Caring for Donna and April.
My Brother Jim was a Kind and Gentle Man, a devout Christian whom we will all miss.
His Mother was Myrtle Sorgen, his Father John Frame Goodwin. His siblings were Hazel Crickett, Marion Stark, Gordon, Orbin, Gwenneth Campbell, Joyce Poli and Charles (Ted ) . May Dear Jim Rest in Peace .
Love from Frank and Gwenn, Scott and Karen and family, Cal and Charlene and Jason and Shelley and Teri.
I shall always remember my Uncle Jim with love and fondness. When I was younger, he took me fishing, and was always willing to spring for ice cream. When he lived in Tappen, I spent a few days with him on his boat and hiking. Uncle Jim was my namesake, I too am James Goodwin and am proud we carried the same name. I will miss him and enjoyed many of the family gatherings we attended together, especially singing around the piano with other family members. He was a lovely man who was loved by all.
Our heartfelt sympathy to you Donna and April. So glad we were out in 2018 to visit while Jim was still at home.
Hugs to you and our wish for comfort and much needed rest for you both. Take good care.
My heart and prayers go out to you at this trying time. Wish we could be there for you.
Love David and Penny