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James Roger (Jim) Willoughby
July 8, 1929 - March 28, 2015
Tribute
We are sad to announce the passing of Jim on March 28. He was born and raised in Salinas California, the youngest of three brothers.
He was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast in his teen years, and as a young man his passion turned to the underwater world.
Jim immigrated to Canada in 1961 with his wife Nancy (Jody) and her children Peggy and Jack. They lived in Richmond until 1978 when they made the move to Powell River after Jim was offered the position of Diving Director at Beach Gardens Resort. Jim had made Powell River his home since that time.
Jim’s talents as an underwater photographer, instructor and lecturer took him to many parts of the world. He and Jody were the owners of Willoughby’s Divers Den on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver for many years. A few of his many proud accomplishments were a visit from Prince Philip at the Jericho School for the Deaf where Jim was instructing; working with and meeting Jacques and Jean-Michel Cousteau while running the Can-Dive underwater exhibit at Expo ’86; and his involvement in the sinking of the Emerald Princess in Saltery Bay.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his family, his friends and many colleagues throughout the world. He was predeceased by his wife Jody in 1996 and his brothers Dick and Bruce. He will be missed by his partner of 16 years Lorraine Hansen, his son Jack (Barb) Willoughby and daughter Peggy (Butts) Giraud, seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his son Jim (Sandi) in Oklahoma and daughter Marcie from his first marriage.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25 at 1 pm at Beach Gardens Resort in Powell River. Please join us in celebrating and sharing Jim’s long and adventurous life as he would have loved.
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: John & Liz Craven
Relation: Friend & co volunteer
Jim you will missed but never forgotten. Our hearts go out to Lorraine & all the family.
From: Roger Gillen
Relation: Friends
Jim always had a kind word to say to anyone, even if he didn’t know them. I saw him on the ferry to Courtenay in October and had my young teenage daughter with me (whom Jim had never met), when I told my daughter that he knew everything about underwater photography, he invited her to sit with him and told her all kinds of tricks she could try when she was snorkeling. They chatted for about 45 minutes and she later told me “what a nice man!” And he truly was. We’ll miss your laughter, Jim.
From: Ruth anness
Relation: Friend
Lorraine,Jim will be missed by many.He as unique.my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time Ruth
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
April 25, 2015
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Beach Gardens Resort
Westminster Ave.
Powell River, BC Canada
Westminster Ave.
Powell River, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Chrysalis Flowers and Gifts
4801 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
Phone 604-485-7673
Please have the name of the deceased and date of service for handy reference.
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Send Condolence - For James Roger (Jim) Willoughby
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