Hearne, Reverend Canon James (Jim) Russell

The Reverend Canon James (Jim) Russell Hearne peacefully left his earthly body on July 21, 2017 at the age of 84, in Nelson, British Columbia.

Jim was born August 31, 1932 in Columbus, Indiana, the eldest child of Albert Russell Hearne and Mary Isabelle Gates. He attended the Seattle Pacific College in Seattle, Washington where he met the love of his life, Colleen Walsh, graduating in 1955 (B.A. in English Literature and Greek). He received his Bachelor of Divinity from Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville, Illinois in 1962, and his Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1972.

In 1955 Jim and Colleen were married in Coquille, Oregon. They moved to Dubuque, Iowa and later to McGregor, Iowa before immigrating to Canada in 1962. The same year he was made a Deacon of the Anglican Church and served as Curate at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Trail, BC. He was ordained Priest in 1963 and served as Vicar in the Parish of Kokanee from 1963-1969. During that time they purchased their home at the Queens Bay Townsite on Kootenay Lake. Jim was Pastor of the Anglican and United Churches of Golden and Field, BC from 1969-1976, Rector of the Lacombe and Rimbey (Alberta) Anglican Churches from 1976-1993. He retired briefly in 1993, returning to the Kootenays where he served as Priest-in-Charge at Creston. He came out of retirement to become Rector of Creston 1994-1999, and was made a Canon of the Diocese of Kootenay in 1996.

When Jim retired in 1999 he and Colleen moved back to their beloved Queens Bay home. He continued to serve in various aspects of ministry, including as Priest-in-Charge in Castlegar, BC (2001-2002) and as Interim Pastor at the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Slocan and Passmore from 2006 until the time of his passing.

Jim and Colleen loved to travel; in addition to many family trips throughout the United States, they traveled extensively in the England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, Israel, and Sinai. He was lifelong learner, and attended the Vancouver School of Theology Summer Sessions for many years. He was a Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies in Notre Dame University, Nelson, B.C. 1964-1966. Jim had a wonderful sense of humour and an endless trove of stories. He has enriched the lives of his parishioners and friends with his unique perspective and gift of storytelling. He was a fine singer, and sang in many choirs throughout the years.

Jim was the deeply-loved husband of Colleen, treasured father of Caitlin and Leah; grandfather to Jeremiah (Takaia), Amanda, Lara (Trevor) and Tyrel (Rosanna); step-grandfather to Katelyn and Caroline; and great-grandfather to Molly, Kullen, Ivy, River, Samuel, Francis and Henry. His deep love and devotion for his family was a hallmark of his life.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Albert Russell Hearne (1953); his mother, Mary Isabelle Williams (2002); his sister, Janice Anne Hearne (2016); and his beloved daughter, Helen Marie Cubbon (2006).

There will be a Celebration of Life with Eucharist at St. Saviour’s Pro-Cathedral in Nelson, BC, on Saturday, August 26, at 2:00 PM. A reception will follow the service. Queries can be directed to herrnhut@shaw.ca. In lieu of flowers the Hearne family encourages donations to the charity of your choice in Jim’s memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca