James E Kingsley

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Jim was born in Vancouver, B.C. to Ruby and Jim Kingsley. His early years were spent between Vancouver/Delta and his beloved Parksville, home to his paternal family since 1876.

His lifelong love of horses (and his exceptional work ethic) began when Paterson Park in Ladner opened in 1965. Here he cleaned stalls, bathed, brushed, and fed the horses and was a “hot walker”, cooling down the horses after training for sulky racing.

Jim became interested in shoe and harness repair through his kindly “uncle”, Lloyd Taylor, who’s mentorship, encouragement, and loving support guided Jim through his early teenage years. He proved to be talented in all areas, equally competent in repairing logger’s boots to the fine finishing of harness work.

 In 1970 Jim’s parents moved permanently to the Parksville area, where they built a charming home overlooking French Creek boat basin. One warm August evening at the old Parksville Theatre, Jim met a girl who would stay with him for the rest of his life. Cindy and the Knight family welcomed Jim into the fold with open arms. His love for his “in laws”, George and Eve, was deep and true and had an enormous impact on his personal development.

Tragedy struck May 1971 when Jim’s sister and best friend, Joy, perished in a car accident which also took the life of her boyfriend, Richard Whitley. A double loss for young Jim, who’s friendship with Richard had recently deepened.

In 1971 living together as a couple was not common and Jim and Cindy were encouraged to marry, so at the tender ages of 18 and 17 they tied the knot at St. Marks’s in Qualicum Beach on October 9, 1971. The marriage was to last over 52 years.

At that time Jim and Cindy operated a shoe repair and leather workshop in downtown Parksville, conveniently located across the street from the back door of the Rod and Gun! Here he expanded on his craft, creating many beautiful items for customers including belts, purses, and vests, even cobbling himself a pair of shoes.

With the birth of his sons, Matthew and Benjamin, Jim began his career in construction which spanned 35 years. He learned everything organically, from foundation and framework to his apex as a consummate finishing joiner, specializing in complex staircase design. Over the years he dealt with a severe case of Dupuytrens Contracture, which ultimately ended his career in the industry. Undefeated he began anew and excelled in several areas including a highly successful fishing charter company and contracting to BC Hydro, which eventually morphed into green energy sales.

Music had always played a large part in Jim’s life and resurfaced 10 years ago when he and Cindy began to expand on their talents with Jim’s great friend, Gary Gehl. Although no longer able to play his guitar, he renewed his interest in blues harmonica. Jim’s resonant baritone melted hearts and his uncanny gift of mimicry allowed him the most amazing covers of classics like Folsom Prison, That’s alright, Mama and So Lonesome I could Cry.

2 years into a well-deserved retirement, cancer was detected in his left lung. The prognosis was dire, and he bravely chose to decline treatment in lieu of the best quality of life possible left to him. Just ten months later with the merciful assistance of Maid dear Jim left us, at home looking out to the foothills with his loving family surrounding him.

Fly free, my darling.

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