James Arthur Jeffery, 66, of Victoria, BC, died peacefully at home on October 19, 2019 with his loving wife Sally at his side, both of them having shown incredible fortitude and grace while fighting the disease that would claim James’ life.
James was born August 18, 1953 in London, England to Ken and Georgina (Perchuk) Jeffery and grew up in Harpenden where he excelled at mathematics and swimming. As a teen, scouting ignited James’ adventurous spirit, a light that could not be extinguished even in his final weeks. While studying chemical engineering at Newcastle University, James discovered a passion for rock climbing and mountaineering which eventually led him to take a job in Paris for its proximity to the French Alps and later Alberta. On a fateful visit back to England, James met the love of his life, Sally Paxton, at a garden party.
A fervid romance followed and James soon proposed that Sally leave England and join him in starting a family in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies. Sally’s acquiescence was shortly replaced with joy as she and James welcomed the first of four children into the world. Dedication and love guided his actions as a husband and father serving as a soccer coach, scout leader, dance dad, Sunday School director, hockey manager, ski instructor, hiking companion. Rarely did he miss a dance performance, band recital, or any opportunity to celebrate his children’s many achievements.
James was proud to be a Professional Engineer and enjoyed a successful career in the energy sector. An early employee of AEC, and later Encana, his impeccable work ethic was highly respected amongst colleagues. He lived happily in Calgary where weekend adventures into the mountains would often be punctuated with Sunday roasts and hearty red wine. In 2012, James and Sally retired to Victoria, BC where they took delight in exploring cobble beaches and developing their garden.
Having raised a loving and close-knit family and maintained many good friends, their house was never in want of visitors in spite of the geographical inconvenience. Sadly, a happy retirement was cut short when James contracted a rare and advanced form of cancer which he would fight bravely with the support of his beloved wife and family for over 3 years.
James is survived by his wife Sally of 38 years, sons Robert (Joanna), Thomas (Julia), Jonathan (Jenna), daughter Kaitlin, brothers Charles (Rizia), Peter (Mary), sister Mary Ann (David) and by many nieces and nephews. James was a proud grandfather to Claire, Paxton, Isla, Theodore, and Violet. James was predeceased by parents, Ken and Georgina.
A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC on November 4, 2019 at 3:00 pm PST.
Memorial donations may be made to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, where James received exceptional care during these past years.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Karmen McKay
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Rob Wigelsworth Sally and family, it is with great sadness that I learned of James’ passing. I have many wonderful memories of working with James at AEC and Encana, and the social functions that we also shared over the years. My most heartfelt condolences on the passing of a sincere friend.
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Maurice Vanden-Bulck To: Sally & Family
We were so saddened to learn of James’ passing & wish to express our sincerest condolences to you all at this very sad time.
Sincerely
Maurice/Pamela Vanden-Bulck
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Rick and Pat Grant Sincere condolences to Rob, Joanna, the girls, Sally and all the Jeffery Family. We were fortunate to have spent time with James and Sally during their visits to Halifax. Rob will be lost without James’s guidance and engineering skills in constructing a garden gate and this past summer a playhouse. James was very patient and understanding with his grandchildren. He appreciated and loved them dearly. Our thoughts are with you all.
Rick and Patricia Grant
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Kim Joslin Our sympathy and condolences go out Sally and her family. James was a great co-worker, a sincere friend and always a gentlemen. Kim and Cathy Joslin
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Laurie Weldon Sally and family, we are sending our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have many fond memories of our families growing up together in University Heights. We also have great memories of the wonderful parties you and James hosted at your home. James was an incredible man and we’re sure he will be really missed. Treasure your memories!
Love, Laurie and Andy
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James Dugan We were so sorry to hear this sad news. We remember James and Sally as good friends, and their children were good friends of our children. With much love and condolences, Jim and Guidonna Dugan
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Donna and Gerry Read Sally and children, we send our love and heartfelt condolences to you at this very sad time. James was an absolutely wonderful man and we will remember him fondly from St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Calgary, where he was a much loved member and leader of the Sunday School when you lived in Calgary. God Bless you and God Bless James. Heaven is rejoicing that he has arrived and our tears are of Thanksgiving for his time here on earth. We pray for comfort and strength for you and send you hugs x a million. Much love,
Donna and Gerry Read
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Mike Coe I would use like to express my condolences to Sally {Jeffery} and family. Having been a Calgary resident for 43 years now, one meets many special people. And Jeffery was in that category for sure. Myself here involved in Scouting. Ski Friends of Lake Louise and other skiing modes, bicycle club, hiking club and sports car club {TR8}., I can speak with some knowledge. Cheers. Ex-Pat from Surrey and Kent.
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Cheryl and John MacKinnon Sally, sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your whole family. We kept James in our prayers during his long cancer battle. There are many memories of fun times together when our children were young. Sending hugs, Cheryl and John
My condolences to Sally and family,
I was fortunate enough to work for James at Encana back in the early 2000’s. I was usually sending him on some “quick” trip to Australia where he was gone and back within 3 days. He was always full of wit and dry humour that made our busy jobs so much more enjoyable! He once brought me a gift back from a trip that said, The Crisis of Today is The Joke of tomorow. I still have it in the entrance in my home.
James will be missed by many. I’m so sorry for your loss.