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
Dear Butterfield family.
In the early 1980’s I often stepped into the Butterfield home as one of a group of singers participating in CANADA OPERA PICCOLA, an opera training program. No one who spent an hour in that home can forget it – full of jokes, music, and dynamic people, none more dynamic than Captain James Butterfield. Our little opera troupe then had the privilege of a 36 hour cruise from Prince Rupert to Vancouver with James at the helm. He insisted that we sing 30 minutes of opera highlights in the ship’s lounge, where he had seen fit to install a piano. The loggers and miners on board weren’t too impressed with our classical tunes, but James was delighted, so much so that we were all hosted in the Captain’s cabin for drinks and dinner, compliments of the Captain. Son Benjamin is a colleague and friend. What marvellous memories. Blessings to the entire family! Thomas Goerz
It has been 2 years since Captain Butterfields passing, but to me it is today that it happened, today that I find out… my condolences. I served under him as a lowly catering attendant on A watch back in the early 80s….I look at his photo and instantly Im transported back to the day he dove from the bridge of the North, diving into the harbor in Port Hardy or Rupert and just blowing the crew all away with his moxie. I also remember how he shattered us all into stunned silence once during a lifeboat drill, just like the scene in the movie”the Dresser” when Albert Finney stops the train with his voice, Captain Butterfield was demonstrating how to use your voice to command silence and obedience in the event of an emergency. He definitely commanded obedience and respect, even without raising his voice.He is a memorable figure. I will not forget him.
Alastair Maxwell
I am so sad to only be finding out now of Captain Butterfields passing. He was a truly sweet man, and my father’s (Lee Cochran) captain with the BC ferries. He not only was his captain but his friend. I am comforted by the idea that he and my dad are up in heaven sharing old stories and laughs. Captain Butterfield in 1999 heard of my wedding and sent me a special letter and a card, he knew how I would be missing my father on that special day. I will never forget him for his kindness and when I was little letting me go on the bridge of the Queen of the North and blow the horn…..
Debi Cochran
Dear Sybil and family,
my sympathy to you all on the death of James. I haven’t seen you Sybil, since our trip home from Vancouver on the B.C. Ferry, when you so kindly offered me a ride home. This morning I spoke to Pat Harrison and he told me of James passing.
When someone you love,
Becomes a memory,
The memory
Becomes a treasure.
Sincerely,
Penny
To Sybil and the Butterfield Family:
Please accept my condolence in respect of James’ final voyage.
His was a long, full and accomplished life which somewhat mitigates our sadness at its inevitable conclusion.
What I will always remember about James was his utter cheerfulness in the face of everything. He was a truly jolly, kind and gentle fellow. Even when he was in a disapproving mood or taking a dim view of the world he managed to kept his good temper and sense of humour. I never observed him otherwise.
He will be greatly missed along with the cohort of his generation who have made or are about to make their last sail past.
Sincerely,
David W.G. Mackenzie
Dear Sybil, I am devestated to think that Death claimed James after that wretched business with Joy. The Butterfield family is always in my heart and head and I hope you are “bearing up under the strain”. I know what the death of a beloved partner can do to a person. Be strong and remember that he loved you and the family like no one else I ever knew.
Love ya
Connie
So very sorry to hear about James. It was my pleasure to know him. All my best to the family. Ian and Linda will be attending the funeral on my behalf. Love, Pat
Sybil and family,
I am so sad to learn of the passing of Jim. As my captain back in 1960 in HMCS Fundy his superb knowledge of seamanship and advice to me in matters of leadership served me well in my many years in the navy. A great gentleman who will be sorely missed by many.
Gareth
While Sybil is said to be the grand matriarch of many musical circles in Victoria, James was always the face of humour and encouragement for many of us who grew up singing there during the 70s, 80s and 90s. And the life of the after parties!
I will miss James’ face in my future audiences, but am grateful for the opportunity to sing for him one last time at the memorial.
Much love to Sybil, Ben and the rest of the family. Rasma
Dear Christopher and Ben,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please share my condolences with your Mother and the rest of your family. May you know comfort and peace with his passing. My prayers are with you.
Laurinda