Survived by his three children, Solveig Brickenden (Dal), Stig Sargent (Irene) and Kristina Bird (Greg) and grandchildren, Stefan, Christopher, Dominique, Devon, Alia, Gene and James; Jim died on August 1, 2011. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife, Ann Marie in 2001.
His illustrious career began with the Kings Own Scottish Borders in 1941. In 1948 he married Ann Marie and the following year served in Korea and Palestine. In 1954 Jim brought his family to Ontario, Canada and served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a master bassoonist and band librarian. In 1964, he moved the family to Victoria to work in the Armed Forces School of Music. Further careers included teaching in Victoria/Sooke School Districts, accounting in Dockyard until retirement. His greatest joy though, came from his running career spanning from his early 60’s to mid 80’s. His list of achievements include twice completing the England Coast to Coast Walk, several Victoria Marathon’s until age 75, an inspirational member of the Harriers, at age 80, won 2 gold and 2 silvers at the 2003 Chilliwack Senior Games. The following year Jim set the Canadian National running record in the 8K. His abbreviated life story was included in the book “Super Seniors”.
A Celebration of his life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, at 2:00 pm Monday, August 8, 2011. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
16 Responses
koldolerer med deres pappa, Solveig, Kristina, Stig.
Jim loved running and loved encouraging young people to get involved in the sport. By encouraging my son to get involved with the Harriers, he also encouraged me start running again. He was an inspiration to all of us to keep striving to set new goals for ourselves no matter what our age or challenges. My condolences to Jim’s family. Jason and I will miss him but will remember him at running events in the future.
I had the great privilege of meeting Jim through Solveig and her husband Dal, during one of his many visits from Victoria to their home in Burnaby. What will always be an enduring image and remembrance of Jim in my mind,was his colorful and entertaining personality and his ability to embrace life. I also recall him being a engaging conversationalist, a true gentleman and a pleasure to be with. I will remember him fondly and often, with great respect.
With fond memories,
Colleen Kendall
I heard of Jim’s passing and wanted to pass on my sincere condolences to all of you. I have very fond memories of Jim and Ann Marie, both very special people in my life and. I saw Jim last about 1 1/2 yrs ago and thought how strong he looked – he was out jogging near Royal Oak, he spoke of still playing tennis. \
He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely
Ted Bender
My condolences to Solveig, Stig and Kristina.
In 1953 as a very young, green lieutenant, one month out of university, I was posted to the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion Band, later the Canadian guards Band. Surrounded by much older, professional musicians, all of whom I outranked in title only, I was very much a young fish out of water. A certain bassoon player came to my rescue, and Sergeant Jim Sargent and his lovely wife Ann Marie helped me find my feet. The difference in rank didn’t bother either of us, and I was a guest in their home more times than I could ever count. It’s a wonder I didn’t eat them out of house and home. Well I remember Ann Marie’s Norwegian dessert called Egg Flip. I often played with 4-year-old Solveig and bounced 1-year old Stig on my knee. Jim told me many tales of the Life Guards Band and Lt. Colonel Lemoine, who was once a bit inebriated riding his horse back to the barracks after a performance at the White City, and a call was placed to the Metropolitan Police Mounted Unit that “a drunken trooper was riding around in circles in the Chiswick Roundabout.” The police were surprised to find a drunken colonel! They tactfully escorted the colonel and his horse home. I was only with that band for one year, then life took me on a different musical road, and I lost touch with the Sargents until this past May. I found Solveig on the internet, spoke with Jim on the phone from my home in Thailand, and sent him a copy of my first novel. All my life I have treasured the friendship Jim and Ann Marie bestowed on me, and every time I thought of Jim it was with the knowledge that he was the nicest, most genuine person I’d ever known. Now I’m sad that I didn’t try harder to find him years ago.
Harry
It is hard to say much about a true icon. He remains a symbol of achievement of many things important to us all. He touched many and he is already sorely missed.
Hillerie & Johnny B.