It is with gratitude for a long and joy-filled life that we announce the passing of James Paul McNamee, of White Rock, B.C., on November 6, 2020.
James was born in 1930 in Montreal, Quebec, and spent his early childhood on a family farm in Bonnyville, Alberta. He was the eldest in a family of three boys, including Paul (1935 to 1961), and Denis (1939 – ). After Bonnyville, his family moved to British Columbia and lived in Victoria and Prince George, finally settling in Surrey.
While attending the University of British Columbia, James enrolled in the Canadian Officer Training Corps, and was stationed for the summer months in Montreal, Quebec, where he met the « beautiful and enchanting » Madeleine Audette. James and Madeleine continued their courtship through two long years of summer visits and « romantic winter scribbling » until Madeleine moved to BC in 1953. In his words, « on August 8, 1953, James Paul McNamee, broke and with few prospects, married Madeleine Rose Audette in New Westminster, BC. » They settled in Surrey to begin their life together, and to raise their family.
James began teaching French in Coquitlam, and soon became an elementary school principal. He served for many years as principal of Ranch Park Elementary and Viscount Alexander Elementary, and was active in the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation and the Coquitlam Teachers’ Association. Upon his retirement in 1988, in recognition of his contributions to the teaching profession and his principled commitment to public education, James was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership by the Coquitlam Teachers’ Association.
James and Madeleine embarked on a long and fulfilling retirement together, travelling the world, and living a quiet and hardworking life on their farm in South Surrey. James was a dedicated and passionate researcher and documenter of family history, and spent many long days in retirement writing the delightful Genealogical Study of the McNamee Family, « Those We Know », Volumes 1 and 2. Family was everything to James and he is survived by Madeleine, his wife of 67 years, his brother Denis, his children Peter, John, Mary, Anne, and Joseph, his 17 grandchildren, and his 8 great grandchildren.
The family is grateful for the great kindness and care shown by the staff of Peace Arch Hospital during his final months of his life. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de James Paul McNamee November 6th 2020..

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Décès pour la Ville: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique

avis deces James Paul McNamee November 6th 2020

avis mortuaire James Paul McNamee November 6th 2020