Robert James (Jim) Thompson

Larger than life and a true Irishman, Jim left us after a full and accomplished life, well-lived.  Born in Boherard, Co. Leix, Ireland and later of Co. Kildare, Jim went on to live in Kimberley, BC, in Liverpool, Chester and Berkshire, England then in Regina, Sask. before the family eventually settled in Victoria, BC, in 1967. Each move was an adventure and an opportunity to do the very best for his family.  Jim had a deep love for his immediate and extended family.

With a contingent of friends, Jim first came to Canada (Kimberley) in his early twenties (1948), but a few years later returned to the family farm in Kildare where he met the love of his life, Bernadette (Bernie).  They married and together raised four children in England and Canada.

A farmer at heart, Jim learned his savvy business skills in the cattle marts of Kildare.  He worked at many endeavours in his lifetime, with his last being co-owner of Budget Rent-A-Car in Victoria.  Always with a smile on his face, Jim worked hard at everything he did including his flower and vegetable gardens.  His beautiful garden was always the showpiece of the neighbourhood.

Jim and Bernie were explorers and enjoyed trips & cruises to numerous countries including many “back home” to Ireland.  He was always ready for a social outing and took pleasure in games of bridge, playing the accordion (learned at the dances in Ireland), telling jokes, dancing, the Pops symphony, and his Scotch before dinner.  Oh, and he loved his food.

In 2014, he and Bernie moved to Shannon Oaks where they formed many new friendships.

Jim had a special way of drawing people to him as he relished engaging with, and talking, to them.  He befriended people all his life and it was sad in the end for him as he had outlived almost all his friends and all the family of his generation.

It was truly a blow when his beloved Bernie died in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic.  Jim himself was not in the best of health and moved into long-term-care shortly thereafter.  However, he soldiered on and made new friends there too.

He passed away peacefully at the Summit on Sunday, August 7^th, 2022.

He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Dale (Dennis), sons Peter (Kathy), John (Joanne) and Joe (Daphne); grandchildren Katelyn Thompson, Matt Thompson (Colleen), Carlee Gedak (Luke), Chelsea Thompson, Daniel Dale and Laura Dale and by two great-grandchildren, Maisee Gedak and Oliver Thompson.

Rest in Peace with your beloved Bernie, Dad

We Love You Both Very Much

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 10:00 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4040 Nelthorpe St., Victoria, BC. A reception will follow in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, BC.

Condolences may be offered to family below.

McCall gardens
www.mccallgardens.com