Father Jim left his physical body lovingly surrounded by close family and friends while also in the loving thoughts of family and friends living afar.
He said: “LOVE is a direct line to GOD.”
Jim recognized that his life was a journey of faith that began with a gift of a tiny Gideon’s Bible in Grade Five.
Much later in life, after working in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the BC Forest Services and having been introduced to the Catholic Faith by a friend, John Schmitz, he was inwardly directed to enter Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton to study Theology. From there, he went to Saint Paul’s Seminary in Ottawa where he completed his studies in Pastoral Counseling.
After several years as a Pastoral Associate in the military chaplaincy, he was ordained to the Priesthood in 1991. He served for a total of 20 years as a Roman Catholic Chaplain. He was incardinated in the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada with whom he shared his faith in many communities across Canada.
Upon his retirement, he obtained his pilot’s license and travelled the world expanding his friendships wherever he went. But, once again, he was prompted toward his ministry, this time in the area of marriage. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Canon Law from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa. This allowed him to work with various marriage tribunals as a judge which he did until he was diagnosed with cancer last October at the age of 76.
In his final months, Jim made an effort to share his faith, commune with God and to experience joy up to his final breaths on this physical earth. He intended to reunite with much-loved family members in heaven which he imagined as a field of daisies where people wore white. After that, only God knows the continuation of his story.
A Funeral Mass presided by the Military Ordinariate of Canada, Bishop Scott McCaig, was held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel, on the 9th of February 2022 at 10:00 am. To watch a recording of the service click on the following link.
https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/46833
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
I extend my Deepest Sympathies to Father Jim’s Family and Friends.
He was such an inspiration and mentor for how to live a Christian life. I am Thankful for Denise and Cindy for taking such wonderful care of a truly special man. May God keep you in his care Jim. Always remembered, always loved.
My deepest and most heart felt condolence to Jim’s family. I’ve been one of Jim’s golfing buddies for many years while at Gorge Vale. I thoroughly enjoyed his company. He was a positive and always upbeat playing partner. He made me a better person by keeping my expletives in check when golf got the better of me. I will miss his companionship.
Rest In Peace, Jim
Condolences to the family of Fr. Ronald James Bekkema. It was a privilege and pleasure to know him, both in uniform, and amongst the seniors at Gorge Vale Golf Club. Always pleasant and optimistic, his last message to me indicated that “Spiritually, I am ready and looking forward to seeing my Lord.” He has now accomplished that mission. Ad Astra.
Jim will be greatly missed by all of his Fellow-Sufferers in golf at Gorge Vale Golf Club, where he was an active participant in Senior golf events. Always cheerful and positive, Jim contributed to the bonhomie of the dozens of regulars in the group and demonstrated the real meaning of ‘anger management’ as he would never let slip more than an ‘Oh, darn’ after missing a shot. We all feel that we’ve lost a true friend and gentleman.
How fortunate I was to be able to chat with Jim in the final months of his life, to realize how his family took such good care of him and how blessed he was with so many good friends. Thank you Cindy and Denise for being such wonderful nieces! It was such an inspiration to discover how peaceful Jim remained in the face of death. He had an unwavering trust in God, and knew how much he was loved by his Creator. Let this be an encouragement for all of us who are left behind. I’m pretty sure that Jim’s final wish is that all we might all grow closer to the One who loves us so much more than we can ever imagine.
I had met Fr. Jim as a military chaplain colleague over the years, but did not serve with him closely. He was always friendly and interested in what one had to say whenever I met him.
To his family and friends I extend heartfelt sympathy.
RIP and may light perpetual shine brightly. Well done loyal and faithful servant.
Father Jim, I remember you when you came out and did a `Graveside Service’ for Bob Linslay!
It was good to see you again after all these years. I miss you!
Bro. Brian.
My deepest sympathy to family and friends of Father Jim.
Until we meet again my friend, will miss you.
I met Jim in Aylmer, Quebec in 1982 in St. Mark Church Choir. Jim was a wonderful example and inspiration of God’s Love.
My sincere sympathy to Father Jim’s family. He was dearly loved by the parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea Military Chapel and will surely missed by all. REST IN PEACE Father Jim.
My deepest condolences to family and friends of Fr Jim