June 11, 1932 - August 18, 2024
In loving memory ~
Born in Toronto, ON to Harry Barclay and Vera (Prosser) Thomson, the family moved to Severn River, where lakes and rivers became playgrounds for Jim and younger brother Ken.
Jim studied electronics at Ryerson Polytech, was employed by Isotope Products/Curtiss Wright Corp and later Mikros/Electro Scientific Industries. He married Donna Laidman Thomson from Caistor, ON in 1955, and soon had son David and twin daughters Pam and Pat.
Jim's employment took the family to Montreal, Oakville, Vancouver, and Portland, OR. Boating and camping and hiking the Olympic Mountains became Jim's passion. In 1964 the family moved to Terrace, BC. Jim plied coastal inlets as a fishing charter captain and selling insurance. He joined Rotary and Toastmasters. Jim and Donna built their home and a 40ft cement hulled ketch.
Jim sailed away from the family in 1972, beginning a solo chapter of his life on Vancouver Island. In 1981 he sailed "Tukilik" by the stars to Mexico and the South Pacific, forging deep friendships with Tongans, Marquesans, and fellow sailors before returning to BC.
Jim went on to work with Minolta and BC Highways before establishing his own companies in innovative data and LED applications. His fingerprints are on Pat Bay Hwy, Coast Guard properties, Bear Mountain, Massey Tunnel, Butchart Gardens, among others.
In 1985 Jim married Anne Preston White of North Saanich, BC. Jim's family (David, Patricia/Larry, Pam/Tom) and Anne's family (Chad/Jo-Jo, Kevin/Lesley, David/Karen) became a "clan".
For nine decades Jim remained connected to and interested in all people. He was deeply touched by the generous care and friendship offered by the extraordinary staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. A celebration of Jim's life will be held Sunday, Sept 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Hall of St Mary's Church, 1973 Cultra Avenue, Saanichton, BC.
In legacy, donations are gratefully encouraged to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (SPHF.ca).
Service Details
2:00 PM