LING, James (Jim, Lingo, Mr. Ling)
was born in Rossland, BC, where he happily lived his whole life. He died peacefully in his home with his family on May 16, 2022 shortly after celebrating his 77th birthday. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Bill, his sister Pat, brother Bill Jr., grandson Colton, and niece Lisa Jean. Jim is survived by his wife, Chris, daughter Trista (Rob), sons Aaron and Daven (Megan); and six precious grandchildren, Ian, Keegan, Louis, Aila, Sienna, Shay, as well as his brothers Jack and Randy and many nieces and nephews.
Jim enjoyed many sports throughout his life. From Little League to Minor Hockey, golf, skiing, curling, rec hockey, bobsled racing and slo pitch softball, and for a time was part of the pit crew for stock car racing.
His lifelong passion was fishing, and he shared many hours in the boat with his Dad, Mom and his brothers and sister, with Chris and his kids and again when each of his grandkids came along, his goal was for all of us to feel the excitement of a nibble on the hook, and the elation of reeling it in ourselves and getting the fish into the boat. Each of us were taught how to clean and cook our own catch, and every trip out, we were all given the chance to drive Grandpa’s boat with him by our side, no matter how young we were. Some of our most precious memories are times we had with him on Arrow Lake or at Big Sheep Creek or various other Kootenay fishing hot spots. Hunting was another passion of Jim’s that he enjoyed sharing with his kids and grandkids. He happily shared his experience and knowledge, giving us the opportunity to continue to enjoy these activities, always remembering what Grandpa taught us. Like many long time Kootenay outdoorsmen, he was saddened by the decline in species populations over his lifetime, and he believed in conservation so that the resource could be enjoyed by all.
He started planning his vegetable garden in March, starting all his plants from seed, and using every available garden for plants we could eat, Chris’ flowers were for her to worry about. He canned and preserved everything he could and we enjoyed his treats all year long. Tomatoes, peaches, dills, antipasto, zucchini relish and smoked fish lined the shelves, deer sausages, burgers and cutlets filled the freezer each year. Grandpa’s deer jerky was a family favourite, his grandkids always checking his supply and asking when he was making another batch. He created incredible Halloween costumes for us, taking hours to complete, and our neighbours still talk about them to this day. His Christmas baking was an annual highlight in our lives, delicious cookies, turtles chocolates, nuts and bolts; along with the tradition of the batch of root beer he’d brew with his grandkids every November and the huge jar of pickled eggs he’d make every year; these traditions will stay with us for always.
Jim was a teacher for 34 years, first at Central School in Trail and then at MacLean Elementary in Rossland. He was constantly bringing out his photo album with all of his class photos whenever he crossed paths with a former student or heard any news about them; to find their photo and remember the year they were in his class. He loved coaching, be it volleyball, basketball or track and field, organizing tournaments and encouraging a love of sport in his students. He was a master at set design for school Christmas concerts. Many homes in Rossland and Trail were adorned with his students’ art projects, ceramics, macrame, string art, tissue paper stained glass to name a few. Fishing and spending time in the outdoors were a huge part of Jim’s life, and he wanted to share his love of the Kootenay wilderness and ensure every child he taught was given the opportunity and the skills to enjoy it themselves. His end of year fishing trips to Nancy Green Lake are fondly remembered by all his students. They learned about the BC Fishing Regulations and seeing all the students stretched across the MacLean playground practicing their casts; with Jim constantly moving up and down the line untangling lines and encouraging them along, was a common sight every Spring.
Jim took pride in being self sufficient. He had the ability repair practically anything, and his carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical/ engine repair skills were often relied upon by family and friends, from small jobs to building homes- he could do anything he put his mind to. He was always willing to help with any project, but not only that, he always taught us what he knew so we would be able to do it ourselves in the future. His unwavering belief in the potential in each one of us….his kids, his grandkids and his former students, has left a permanent impression in our hearts.
He was a reserved and private person, with a mischievous and legendary sense of humour, and was only slightly opinionated. Many have been the honorary recipients of ‘A Poem, by Lingo’ personalized to celebrate some of the best memories and fond attributes of his friendships and guaranteed to make you smile. He was a life long devoted Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan, staying hopeful until the end, and staying loyal while enduring the light hearted teasing from his friends and students over the years. He was known for his Super Bowl and hockey pools, and he loved organizing them for his friends to enjoy. There wasn’t an evil sudoko, cryptogram, crossword or code word puzzle he couldn’t solve, and he loved the challenge.
Our family is exceedingly grateful to Dr. Sandstrom, pharmacist, Cathy Sahlstrom and Shannon, RN for supporting and caring for Jim and for their unwavering assistance in honouring his final wishes to remain at home.
“When we die,” asked Rabbit, “where do we go?”
“Into the hearts of those who have loved us most” said Bear. “That way we’re together, forever.”
©️Tara Shannon, Rabbit and Bear
True to Jim’s personality, he did not want a service or memorial. His ashes have been interred with his Mom and his Dad’s. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to a children’s charity of your choice, or you could take a child in your life out for an afternoon of fishing or some time in the bush.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de James Warren Ling May 16th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique