William Stanley Gordon “Stan” James

Passed away October 9, 2009. Stan was born April 5, 1919 in Victoria. He was predeceased by his wife, Peggy (nee Groom). They were married for 57 ½ years. He is also predeceased by his father in 1928 and his mother, Margaret in 1940. He is remembered by eldest son, Gordon; his wife, Cecilia and their daughters, Jennifer Keung and Jessica, along with her husband, Mathew Baker. He is also remembered by his youngest son, Richard and his wife, Judy and their families. He is predeceased by his sister, Vera Doherty of Calgary. His sister leaves one son Barry, wife Merle, along with grandson, Dean and son, Brady and granddaughter, Denica along with her husband, Claire Crosbie and her daughter, Taylor Margaret and son, Kyle. Stan leaves cousins, Bunny Henderson and Ken and Carol James. He is predeceased by nephews, Rick and Dennis James. He is remembered by Peggy’s sister, Dorothy Lemon and her children, Peter and wife, Gloria and their children of Nanaimo, BC. He is predeceased by his wonderful niece, Jennifer (Jenny) and remembered by her children, Daniel and Tara. Stan was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Navy (when it was still known as “Royal”). He joined the navy in July 15, 1940 and married Peggy on October 8, 1941. He retired on July 15, 1965 after 25 years of service. He served on both Canadian coasts after joining the navy here in Victoria, BC. He served with the crew of the commissioned HMCS Prince David January 5, 1941 and assigned from HMS Malabar Bermuda in the Atlantic Patrol and Convoy duties. His second commission was on the same ship in Esquimalt which was converted to LCI for D-Day invasion in southern France. He took part in the liberation of Greece and returned the Prime Minister, heads of state and Cabinet to Piareas. His peace time service includes tours on Frigates, Corvette HMCS Dawson in 1950 and the HMCS Cayuga on the first trip to Korea. He is a long time member of the retired Chiefs and Petty Officer Association (Esquimalt) and volunteered with them for many years. Stan began a second career as bar manager at the Uplands Golf Club. He was famous for his finely crafted wooden hearts golf trophies and the famous “Ruby Putter” for the Heart Fund Tournament. He created many lovely trophies for various events including the “Plumbies and Schoolies” golf tournament. He retired after 19 years at the golf club but continued to create trophies and support their charitable events. Later Stan also volunteered with the ALS Society. Stan was athletic, outgoing and will be remembered for his many and enduring friendships. He had an amazing memory for faces, names and naval stories.

Join friends and family for a celebration of life on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at #405-1436 Harrison Street, Victoria from 1 to 4 pm.