James (Jim), J.T.R. as he was affectionately known by his two sons, will be sorely missed and forever leave a hole in the hearts of those whom had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim is survived by his loving and graceful wife Patricia of 40 years, his two sons Timothy (Claudia) and Bentley (Joaly) and two grandchildren Conrad and Louis. In the final hours of Jim’s life he was surrounded by family including his loving sister Anne Kirkpatrick.
Born 1947 in Kitchener Ontario to Mary and Thomas Rust, Jim spent much of his youth growing up in Bae Comeau Quebec. Those early years were filled with adventures stemming from Jim’s participation in Scouts having attended many Jamborees and countless overnight camping trips in the bush. Second to those memories were that of his ice hockey escapades often taking place over homemade rinks in the deep coldness of the Quebec winter. Those youthful years produced an impressive French lexicon, both of dinner table niceties and colourful expressions one would expect from the rink.
As Jim’s teenage years wound to a close another big move would take place. Following family out west, Jim attended UBC Law. During law school, Jim spent summers aboard ocean going tug boats taking up position as chief cook. Many of his cooking creations originated from those summer months where he started with no knowledge of cooking and ended as a sought after pastry chef, attracting the attention of mariners when in port, looking for a good slice of Baked Alaska.
Jim graduated class of 71 and to this day many of his classmates remained close friends and colleagues.
Upon graduation, rather than diving into his new career Jim sought out what would be his strongest and most vivid memories, an epic ski trip which took him through Austria. Having been enamored by the beauty of the Austrian Alps and in particular the region of St Anton am Arlberg, Jim promised himself that he would return. Jim sold his worldly possessions to fund the subsequent trip that would take him through six countries and experience unique ski locations such as Andorra and the Atlas mountains of Morocco.
Jim’s Law career spanned nearly fourty-five years much of which was spent developing his practice around commercial lending and real estate banking. Prior to his retirement, Vivian Booth his personal assistant, paralegal and general hero, worked by his side for over twenty five years. Jim will be remembered by both clients and friends as a person of integrity and the willingness to put the effort in bringing two opposing parties together on terms found amicable by all.
Jim’s life experiences shaped his character and filled the lives of his family with countless memories from holidays, backyard tree fort building, ski trips, watching his kids play sports, and enjoying the last twelve years with his wife at their winter residence in Palm Springs. Jim loved Patricia and his boys above all else, though his love affair with gardening and Sunday golf were often not too far behind.
Jim, though our hearts are left with a void, your memories will fill our minds with thoughts of love for the balance of our days.
Jim was a supporter of the Union Gospel Mission. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to UGM.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Thomas Rust LLB 19472022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique