Jim was born in Ottawa on April 6, 1922. He spent most of his youth on family farms in Saskatchewan and Ontario. At fifteen, he acquired his first bicycle and for the next two years, he rode seven miles to high school through the Northumberland hills. In winter, he travelled by horse and cutter. He enrolled at McMaster University in 1940. His studies were interrupted by enlistment in the RCAF where he became a navigator on Halifax bombers. He did 31 trips on enemy targets and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.
He completed his education after discharge acquiring an honours degree in history in 1947. Upon graduation, he received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for being “the outstanding scholar and leader of the graduating class.”
He joined the federal public service and began his career as a researcher in the Special Branch of the RCMP. This was followed by nearly five years as a speechwriter for Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. The remaining years were with the Immigration branch, where he focused on policy, program development and legislation.
On retirement, he moved to Victoria. He served as a liturgical assistant at St. Luke’s Church for more than 30 years.
Jim was predeceased by beloved wife Helen; a cherished sister Alison; and brother Richard, still a preschooler when Jim left for the war in Europe. He is survived by his cousins Barbara and Nancy; sister-in-law Mary, whom he considered the best family import; niece and nephews (Laurie, David, Andrew and Bruce) and his loving daughter Alison, who will be ever grateful for their weekends together at the pool and on the ski hills. “Dad – you did it all so well. I will miss you, your kindness, and your humour. “
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 5, 2018 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Patrick Gorry
-
Dave Seale I am extremely proud to have Jim Cross as my uncle. I am rereading the memoirs of his incredible life. He was witty and warm. I smile at the memory of his phone calls and emails from my Aunt Helen’s beautiful gardens in Victoria B.C., wondering how I was coping with the hideous weather back east.
Alison,
I stumbled on your dad’s obituary while googling people who I once knew in Ottawa.
My wife and I are moving back to Ottawa in 2021, believe it or not. I left in 1977, so it has been a while.
I can see that your dad was truly a remarkable person.
My dad passed away in 2015, and my mom just a few months ago…I miss them both.
As their only daughter, I can imagine how much you miss your parents too.
Hope you are doing well.
Patrick