August 25, 1922 – May 23, 2009
James Butterfield, Master Mariner, slipped his cable and set sail from Victoria on Swiftsure Day, Saturday May 23, after a brief bout with cancer. He leaves his beloved wife Sybil in the 60th year of their marriage; sons Christopher (Merrie-Ellen), Philip (Tracy), Peter (Sarah), Benjamin (Anne); grandchildren Marco, Sarah, Oonagh, Rosanna, Claire, Harry, Julian, Felix, Robin and Marijn; brothers Philip (Jenifer), Aidan (Aileen), John Sebastian (Mary). He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Robin (1951), and daughter Joy (Stefano) in 2006.
James was born in Reno, Nevada on August 25, 1922, the first son of James Butterfield, of Vancouver, and Virginia (Tener), of Wheeling, West Virginia. He grew up in Vancouver and in Summerland, BC. He attended the Duncan Grammar School, and in 1936 went to Liverpool (UK) to train for three years as a cadet in the Merchant Navy training ship HMS Conway. On leaving the Conway he joined the Canadian Pacific Steamships – RMS Empress of Russia – and for two years sailed to the Far East from Vancouver. In 1942 he was Deck Officer in three Foreign Going merchant ships, the last of which SS Jasper Park was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean. He spent the next two years as Navigating Officer (RCN(R)) in HMCS North Bay on convoy escort duties in the North Atlantic. In 1945, he attended Trinity College, University of Toronto, where he met and fell in love with Sybil Agnew. They both graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1948, and James then returned to the Navy. After being commissioned as a Lieutenant in the RCN, he married Sybil in Kingston, Ontario in April, 1950. James served in Vancouver, Halifax, St. Jean, Halifax again, and Victoria; his last naval posting was as skipper of the training ketch HMCS Oriole. After retiring from the Navy in 1968, James served briefly in the Canadian Hydrographic Service, and then joined BC Ferries as Chief Officer, Master and then Senior Master. His last command was M/V Queen of the North, from which he retired in 1986. For some years afterwards he acted as Master of M/V Charlotte Princess for the summer, taking her on positioning cruises to the Queen Charlotte Islands; in this way he passed on his profound knowledge of the coast he loved to a younger generation.
James loved the sea and ships, books, poetry, music, dancing and friendship. He will be warmly remembered by his shipmates in the Company of Master Mariners; The Conway Association; The Thermopylae Club; The Naval Officers Association of Vancouver Island and by many friends up and down the West Coast, and around the world. He was contented and true-blue. His enthusiasm, love of life, and of people will forever be an inspiration to those who were fortunate to have known him. The family would like to thank Dr Cox, the staff at Victoria Hospice and Beacon Services for their care. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, on Saturday, June 13 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to the Mission to Seafarers, 401 East Waterfront Rd., Vancouver, BC, V6A 4G9
61 Responses
Sybil and family,
I noted Jim’s passing with much sadness. He was a true gentleman.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
B
Sybil and family,
Wendy and I were saddened to read that James had passed away. We were pleased to get to know you both when we were living across the street on Waterloo. We remember also a night with Richard and Jane Usher and the two seamen exchanging stories together.
Please also accept condolences from my sister, Carolyn who lives in Vancouver. I am sending a copy of the obituary today.
No reply necessary.
Bill and Wendy Brown
I worked with Captain Butterfield one Summer Season onboard the Queen of Prince Rupert. I still remember his wonderful slide show and talks of his trip to the Antartic onboard the ferry. A most enjoyable Summer Season with Captain Butterfield. I later had the pleasure of working with Captain Butterfield on the BC Maritime Museum project when BC Ferries put on their permanent displays. My condolances to all the family. Wally Young, Chief Steward (retired) Queen of Alberni, Route 30.
To the family and Christopher and Benjamin in particluar. My wife Fiona and I still laugh about the time we met your mum and dad at your cousin Kates wedding in Vancouver. Even though the room was filled with young hot people with lots going on your dads tales had us riveted to our seats ignoring the festivities at hand. Our condolences for your loss and I hope you carry fond memories of him always. Eric and Fiona Bramble.
I first met Jim when he was First Lieutenant on HMCS Crusader.I was 15 at the time and on board as a guest on a cruise to Bermuda. Lucky me. My father, Bill Wheeler was navigator onboard.
I was very impressed with Jim’s power of command on board; firm but fair. He very nice to me in the wardroom and took the time from his busy schedule to explain various operations.
I was sorry to hear of his passing an offer my deepest condolences.
With sincere sympathy,
Bill Wheeler
Bill
My dear Sybil and Family,
My deep sympathy and understanding go out to you as James sets sail on his final voyage. You will miss him greatly, his generous nature and his unfailing supply of enthusiastic goodwill. And so shall I.
No doubt, considering the many and varied talents that he and you, Sybil, have bestowed upon your family, James’ fine qualities will live on long after him.
Farewell, old friend….Chris
My condolences to all the family. I worked with Captain Butterfiled onboard the” Queen of Prince Rupert”. One of the most enjoyable Summers that I had. Captain Butterfield presented a slide show of his to to the Antarticia. I never have forgot that slide show and his talk onboard the ferry to all crew members.
I later worked with Captain Butterfield on the Maritime Museum project here in Victoria for the BCFerries display at the Museum. What a pleasure to have know Captain Butterfiled. My best wishes to all the family. Wallace Young, Chief Steward, Rt 30, Queen of Alberni, Duke Point, Retired.in 2000. Thank you.
Dear Sybil,Benjimin and the rest of the Butterfield family;
It still seems like yesterday that we were all neighbors on Waterloo Rd. My sincerest condolences, Jim was a great neighbor, had a wonderful sense of humour and was a great story teller.
I will never forget the ferry trip to Prince Rupert on the Queen of the North with Jim as Captain, not only did he give me a tour of the Bridge I got to sit at the Captains table for dinner!
You are all in my thoughts at this incredibly sad time!
Karen K Davies
Dear Sybil and family,
We are very sorry to hear the sad news. You and Jim were close friends of both our parents. We greatly appreciated your warm and strong support throughout our parents lives and at the time when they passed away.
Our sincere condolences,
Michael Chadwick
Fond memories from growing up with Peter, my thoughts are with all of you.
Rod Owen-Flood