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.
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Terje Pedersen
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Ida von Schuckmann 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.
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Colleen Kendall 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
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Ted Bender 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
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Harry Currie 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
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John Botelho & Hillerie Denning 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.
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Gord Knox Late in 1996, at a dinner party, Jim was lamenting that his partner for doing the Coast to Coast Walk in England had backed out. I had a sudden urge to volunteer to assist him and have an adventure! How does he do that to people?
We did much research and practice hikes together. Yes he was detailed! In May of 1997 we were together almost 24×7 for 13 days hiking, eating, drinking, talking, laughing. Jim lead the way, I kept up as best I could.
I have never stopped hiking. In Sept I hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Thanks for getting me on the path Jim!
He was my mentor and an inspiration. I feel like I belong a large group who would say the same.
Gord
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Andy Andison I first met Jim in December 1945 at the Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh. I arrived about 2pm as a “Band Boy”, while the rest of the students were in school. It was very cold in the barracks so I lit a small pot bellied stove using the sticks and coke provided. It seemed like a great idea. Suddenly, the door burst open and this small man started screaming at me like a banshee. I gathered from his ranting that fires were NOT to be lit until 4pm. Then the 7 band boys arrived back and stared with dismay at the fire, which was spreading ashes and soot onto the newly painted white surround and ruining the polished finish on the stove. To my dismay, I was informed that an inspection was coming up shortly. I felt very low and was ready to go home.
The Lance Corporal Sargent arrived. He was the in charge of the band boys. He reviewed the situation and to my relief told me “don’t worry about it”. That’s when my admiration and great friendship began with Jim. He took an interest in my musical training and me and we began running together. We had much success in competing in many running competitions.
Another time I was on the upper deck of a tram at tolleross? Edinburgh and I saw Jim and Anne Marie running hand in hand across the road – they were a lovely couple. As I look at Kristina today I see Anne Marie. As it turned out, I also married a Scandinavian girl.
Jim then deserted me and left to join the Household Calvary Regiment in London. Afterwards we talked and I decided to join the Life Guards Band in London. He forgot to mention the four-month intensive horse riding school held in Windsor before actually joining the band. Jim stayed for five years and then immigrated to Canada and joined the Canadian Guards Band in Ottawa in 1954. In 1967, I left the Life Guards and joined the Canadian Signals Band in Kingston with my wife Cathreen and two girls, Denise and Jacqueline. Sometime later Denise went to the School of Music in Victoria, later joining the Naden Band. She arrived at the school shortly after Jim had been teaching there.
When we visited Denise, I decided to see if my friend Jim was still here. At that time, we had lost touch and not seen each other for about 27 years. I went to his house. In typical fashion, he looked at me and said “you’re fat”. I responded by saying “you’re balding and I can go on a diet”. Our friendship was reestablished and once I retired to Victoria we saw each other on a regular basis. He and Anne Marie became surrogate parents to Denise and she and Jim joined a tennis club together. He won most of the matches with skill and experience triumphing over youth and enthusiasm. Everyone one here knows what a great athlete and fine gentleman Jim was.
Jim was my mentor and a wonderful friend the entire time that I knew him. Friends have asked me – why have you followed in Jim’s footsteps your whole life? So, being a typical Scotsman I tell them that he borrowed ten shillings from me way back and I’m following him until he pays up. I will miss him…
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Dee Ogden My most sincere condolences to Jim’s family. It was an honor to know him and watch Jim run so well during races. Seeing him up there receiving his awards was an inspiration to myself and others. He will be truly missed.
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Mary & Knute Knudsen Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Your father was such a friendly gentleman and Knute and I were priviledged to have spent time with him at events we had attended over the years.
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Karen and Tony Knott Our most sincere condolences to Jim’s family. We are also honored to have known Jim and I so much enjoyed the times that we ran together with the same groups and I was also thrilled and amazed to see him, not long ago, running by himself along busy roadways, because he had to stay in condition! It was wonderful to see Jim at the various races and to watch him often win his age group — he never gave up and was always gracious. Jim never appeared to worry about his age, taking delight in upgrading his furnishings and in hosting a cocktail party while still living in his house by himself. He enjoyed life and we will miss him.
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Susan Zerb Sincere sympathy Kristina, Solveig and families. Thinking of you at this time, knowing you shared many happy times with your special Dad – those memories will carry your through this difficult time! He will be with you in spirit forever.
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Gilles A. St. Denis Dorothy and I are in Calgary and will miss the celebration of his life. I had the honour and pleasure of knowing Jim and Ann Marie and will always remember them fondly. Jim was a source of inspiration for me when we ran together with the ladies and friends….Loved his smiles and kind words especially with the TMG group during his last years. Our sincere condolences, Solveig,Stig & Kristina…..Gilles
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Christine Thate Knowing that Jim Sargent was at a running race made one feel as though they were in the right place, and doing the right thing. He was a very nice person, very fun and also a very dedicated runner. I am very sorry for your loss.
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Susan Norrington As president of the Prairie Inn Harriers, I offer my sympathy to you for the loss of your Dad. What a fantastic man! He was such an intregal member of the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club. Full of enthusiasm; always a twinkle in his eye. He was a true Harrier as he loved to compete and win, always volunteered to help out at our races as well cheering on others. He set many records for his age group and always enjoyed receiving his medals and standing ovations from fellow runners whenever he excelled in his division in a race.
He lived a very full life and was an inspiration to us all.
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Linda Dezura Dear Solveig, Christina and Stig et al,
Thinking of Jim and Ann Marie brings back many happy memories for me. I remember those crossed bronzed sneakers for your “Marathon Man” when he placed in his first marathon…and many other joyous moments. I am saddened that your ‘marathon man’ has run a further distance but I hope you take heart in knowing – that knowing Jim, wherever he is, he is having a good time!
I also know how very proud he was of all of you and your many and varied accomplishments.
With love and prayers,
Linda
koldolerer med deres pappa, Solveig, Kristina, Stig.