January 21, 1937 - February 10, 2025
In loving memory ~
Adrian Philip James was born in Sheringham, England on 21st January 1937. Growing up during WW2, he was drawn to adventure and at 19 headed off to New Zealand. On the way, he stopped in Vancouver to visit relatives. Finding work first with the BC Forest Service in Cowichan Valley and then as a photographer, he decided the 'coast' suited him well. Soon he was scuba diving, sailing and working at Wawanesa Insurance, where he met Toni Keriden Jackson.
Adrian and 'Keri' were married in 1962 and moved to Keri's family farm near Pigeon Lake, AB. However, Adrian was always drawn west and escaped to the coast whenever he could, often taking his kids. Adrian loved boats and owned dozens in his lifetime, even living on several. Whether working as a commercial fisherman or living on his float-home in Cowichan Bay, he was well known on the docks and at the pub for his wit and storytelling.
Adrian never made it to New Zealand, but he lived out a free-spirited and adventurous life in Canada. He loved all nature, and enjoyed sharing his collections of leaves, feathers, arrowheads, seashells, diamond willow, or whatever caught his eye, with whoever came to visit. Well-read, he spoke intelligently to anyone about anything. Adrian wasn't a traditional parent, grandparent, neighbor or employee, yet his unique character moved and charmed all who met him.
Adrian passed peacefully at Sunridge Place in Duncan, BC on 10 February 2025, at the age of 88. He is survived by Keri, his sister Christine, daughter Kim, sons Robin, Ian and Peter, and ten grandchildren. We offer sincere gratitude to the Sunridge staff for their care and kindness in Adrian's last years.
According to Adrian's wishes, there will be no formal funeral. However, a family memorial and burial-at-sea will be planned in the coming months. For more info, or to pass on memories, please email adrian37james@hotmail.com