Orzel, James (Jim) Augustine

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Augustine Orzel, on July 2, 2024.

Jim was born on October 11, 1961, in Scarborough, Ontario, to Zigfred and Jessie Orzel. He grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick, and spent many summers camping around Canada’s east coast with his family. In 1976, he moved across the country with his family to Calgary, Alberta, where he graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School and went on to complete a Certificate in Process Piping Drafting from SAIT. Jim worked as a Data Analyst with S&P Global prior to his diagnosis and cherished the friendships he formed with many co-workers.

He met the love of his life, Sissel (Susie) Fjellstad, at work in the early days of his career. Jim and Susie were married on December 28, 1985, and together, they raised their daughter, Ashley. They loved travelling as a family and took many vacations throughout the United States and Europe, as well as a memorable trip to Japan in 2015 for Susie’s 65th birthday. Jim’s favourite vacations were exploring Italy and a road trip through Ireland. He also loved theme parks and would ride every roller coaster with Ashley. Following Susie’s passing in 2021, Jim moved to Nelson, BC, to honour their dream of retiring in the Kootenays.

Jim was a passionate pool player and competed in tournaments around Western Canada and Las Vegas. He travelled to London, UK, in 2016 and 2018 to watch the Mosconi Cup with VIP tickets, where he met his favourite players. Jim cherished his pool community and was thrilled to find a local team to join when he moved to Nelson. He was also an avid golfer throughout his life and fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, in 2018. Jim had a zest for life and a curiosity that led him to always try new activities. His humour and kindness will be greatly missed.

Jim is predeceased by his wife, Susie Fjellstad, and father, Zigfred Orzel. He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley Orzel; mother, Jessie Martens; sisters, Judy (Bob) Pashka and Jackie (Ross) Connery; brother, John Orzel; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and beloved friends.

Donations in Jim’s name can be made to the Canadian Stuttering Association, an organization he supported, or the Canadian Cancer Society. A special thank you to the amazing staff at the West Kootenay Hospital, Nelson Home Health, and Nelson Home Care Support.