Obituary
Jim (James) Steven Wayne Hockley, a resident of Courtenay, BC for the last 19 years, passed away on July 6, 2022.
Born in Edmonton on February 26, 1944 to James and Pauline Hockley, Jim wore many hats throughout his lifetime: radio announcer in Edmonton, host of kids’ TV show Big Jim, lifeguard in Bermuda, and photographer in Victoria and Courtenay to name a few. Jim was equally at home on the stage and on the couch in front of the TV.
He will be remembered for his inquisitive conversations, his fondness and caring of animals, birds and children, his practical jokes (or was he serious that time?), knowledge of seemingly every movie ever made, his zeal for collecting, and his love of water polo, swimming and other sports. His big sisters fondly recall earlier days of attending swim meets together with the Edmonton South Side Swim Club, Jimmy’s entertaining “dumb” dives, as well as visions of him jogging in a “customized” giant plastic bag.
Jim is survived by his partner, Sharon, her children Sylvia (Sabine Rittinghaus) Weismiller, Brendan (Ramona Devane) Simmons, and Megan Simmons; sisters Gwen Howard, Janet (Marvin) Smith, Tanya (Henk Suys) Hockley; nieces and nephews Teresa (Jim) Davis, Ruyter Suys, Trevor (Susan) Smith, Tony (Kendee) Smith, Jonathon (Susan) Howard, Jennifer (Dennis) Vidaic-Howard; great nieces and nephews Zachary, Jacob, Mikael, Steven, Jeffrey, Sydney, Mason, Aleksander, Luka, Rogan and Marin; granddaughter Stella, and many of the friends he made along the way.
The family sends their sincere thanks to the many doctors who have looked after him over the years, especially Dr. Daws and her associates, the nurses and caregivers at Community Health Services Comox Valley, the Canadian Red Cross, the Myeloma North Island support group, friends, extended family, and the many neighbours of Stafford Avenue area.
There will be no formal service. If you are moved to make a donation in his memory, there are many worthy recipients:
BC Cancer Lodge
BC SPCA
Red Cross
Myeloma Canada
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Jim Steven Wayne Hockley February 26 1944 July 6 2022 (age 78)..
Telford, Toneff and Boyd Burial and Cremation Centres
Death notice for the town of: Courtenay, Province: Colombie britanique
As a swim instructor and lifeguard at JP pool in Edmonton I have fond memories of Jim. The only time I jumped off a 10 meter platform was on a 4 person team with Jim. He did his signature dive bomb. Jim connected John with a place to rent on Beaver Lake in Lac La Biche for May and June and allowed me to take his dog, a red setter, when I went to visit.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.
John and Cathie Heslinga