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Green, James Edward

(August 24th, 2021)

It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James Green.

James was born in Kimberley BC, the first of four children. His parents, Earl and Evelyn Green were part of the exodus of many young families to the mining camp of Riondel in September of 1949. The purpose of this move was to provide workers for the Bluebell Mine and populate the town. They lived, for those first years, in a tent house (wood walls and canvas roof), while his father worked in the mine by day, and spent any spare time constructing their permanent home. Over the years, James took on the responsibility of all major improvements to that original family home.

Upon completion of his education at J.A. Cochran/Crawford Bay Secondary School, he enrolled at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (S.A.I.T.) in the Culinary Chef program. It was there that he became proficient in the art of cake decorating and a master of the piping bag. He created many elaborate wedding cakes for family and friends in the years that followed. At the conclusion of his 2nd year at S.A.I.T., he earned the award for highest marks in his class.

After working at various hotels in Calgary, he returned to BC and cooked in camps on Vancouver Island. In the late 70’s, James made a career change by gaining employment with Fording Coal at Elkford, BC. He retired after 33 years as a Shovel Operator, with the reputation of consistently loading no less than 300 trucks every single shift.

He took part in many hunting and fishing excursions with his dad and brothers. Duck hunting was his favorite, especially in his younger years.

Upon his retirement, he began to take over the maintenance of the family home yard and garden. James was particularly proud to enter his produce and flowers in the Crawford Bay Fall Fair, for which he won numerous top awards year after year. James was also the primary caregiver for his mother, Evelyn, in her later years.

James was predeceased by his father, Earl in 1981, and his mother, Evelyn in 2019. He is survived by his sister, Connie and her children; Kris (Melanie) Kirkham, Kelli Kirkham, K’Arlee (Darren) O’Neill and their twins Jack & Saoirse, and Dane Morison. His brother Fred (Sherlynne) and nephew Nick (Laura). His youngest brother Richard (Karen) and nieces April Green and Crystal (Gary) Janzen and their daughter Hannah.

James was a lifelong member of the little white catholic church in Riondel, to which he faithfully donated the flowers for Sunday mass (a practice he carried on from his mother). In lieu of flowers, should anyone wish to do so, a donation to the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Riondel would be appreciated.

A private family mass will be conducted at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate in Nelson, followed by interment in the family plot at Nelson Memorial Park.

A memorial celebration will be held in Riondel at a later date, in accordance with current guidelines.

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