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Jim was born in Rossland B.C. on July 25,1940 to Melvin and Mildred Harrington. Growing up in Fernie, Jim was the eldest of 7 children. As a youngster, Jim played 1st base for the Fernie Falcons and enjoyed listening to his beloved Montreal Canadians games on the radio. When Jim was a teenager, he took on the role of helping provide for his family. He worked for the CPR and would often share crazy stories of this time with his family later on in his life. Jim graduated from College in 1973, shortly after the birth of his first daughter Patricia. They moved to Canal Flats so he could begin his first job as a Recreation Director. It was while they were in Canal Flats that they welcomed their new daughter, Susan. Jim worked out of the arena and it was there that he began his life-long passion of bringing people together to inspire young athletes who loved to play hockey. Jim was instrumental in bringing hockey camps and high level coaches to the Columbia Valley in both Canal Flats and Invermere. When he had the amazing opportunity to try for a job in Osoyoos in 1978, he drove through the mountains, had an interview and called June from a booth in the Diamond to share the news that they needed to make a decision about whether or not they wanted to start a new life in a new community. Mom thought about the times she had driven through this beautiful town and they committed to making Osoyoos their home.
The Sunbowl Arena was a second home to Jim. He loved living across the street where he could keep an eye on the place, let kids in early to skate, and watch, as many a night, the men’s Rec league players stayed after hours “talking”. Jim was kind, generous, and honorable. A true gentlemen. As a father and grandpa, Jim was second to none. He took great interest in everything his kids and grandchildren took part in. He would be there for skating competitions, ringette and soccer games, track meets and cross country runs. He was married to the love of his life June for 52 years. Together, and often with friends or family, they travelled to Europe, Mexico, the Panama Canal and many places in the US.
Jim is survived by his wife, June, daughter, Patricia (Sean) and grandsons, Caleb and Grady, daughter, Susan and grandson, Ryan and granddaughter, Tatum, Jim’s siblings, Terry (Gena), Peter (Marion), Carol (Glen), and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Mildred Harrington, niece, Jessica, brother, Michael (Patsy), sister, Maureen (Frank), and brother, Paddy (Myrna).
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 pm October 29th at St. Anne Catholic Church, Osoyoos, BC with inurnment to follow at the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Jim Harrington June 25 1940
October 21 2022..
Nunes Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Oliver, Province: Colombie britanique
Dear June and family, the Harrington’s and Kasmers.
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Jim! We go back so far to our school days in Fernie and Jim was always a kind, gentle person. So many wonderful memories. He’ll be up there laughing and sharing stories with our dear John. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Mike and Judy (Craig) Cave Wendy and Paula
We were fortunate to meet Jim and June when Jim was attending Lethbridge College. We had so many fun times .They were always up for anything. Jim was always cheerful, positive and smiling. We had our first babies during that time.
We kept in touch with them as they carried on their journey. We always remained close at heart.Jim never changed.He was always positive and enthusiastic.He was probably the BEST Dad and Grandpa, and I know he always treated June like gold.
A month ago Jim and June were on a road trip, and they stopped in for a visit. It was like old times! We are so grateful for that visit!!
We would like to extend our sympathy and love to June,Patricia,Susan and the precious Grandchildren. Ken and Lynda Rothe