Obituary of James Innes

1928 - 2009

In loving memory of our dad, grandpa and great grandpa, James Ronald Innes.

Jim was born on August 22, 1928 in Granum, Alberta. When he was 17 years old he moved to Creston, B.C., where he met Theresa Bilyk. They fell in love and were married June 25, 1949. They spent 56 happy years together until Theresa's passing in 2005.

As a young man he was very patriotic and joined cadets in order to follow in the footsteps of his father and his older friends that were joining the Canadian military during WWII. Jim worked as a farmhand, railway worker, a logger and then as a miner for 45 years at the Coleman Collieries in the Crowsnest Pass, the Bluebell Mine in Riondel and the Sullivan Mine in Kimberley. Jim was a real hero; he once saved a young girl from drowning in Kootenay Lake. He also received many commendations for his rescue efforts as a member of the Mine Rescue Team. His extremely hard work ethic was admired by all who knew him. Jim was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors and wildlife. He was an amateur gunsmith and enjoyed his hobby of metalworking. He was a clever and talented man working with his hands and could fix almost anything. His greatest passion was his family and especially his nine granddaughters. His love for them was immeasurable and he took great pleasure in making them laugh with tricks and jokes.

With his family by his side, Jim passed away at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital on July 5, 2009 at the age of 80 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Danny and Ana Innes of Marysville, Laraine and Don Johnson of Cranbrook, Barb and Gary Johnson of Cranbrook, Laurie and Ray Craig of Cranbrook, his nine granddaughters Dione (Shane), Andrea (Dean), Cheryl (Jeff), Reagan (Rob), Robyn (Nick), Jessica (Jaime), Stacey, Kaylee and Tessa, and his five great-grandchildren Kamea, Reanna, Tiago, Ava and Vanessa.

Family and friends are invited to the graveside service in Creston on Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 am Cranbrook time (10:00 am Creston time). An afternoon tea will be held at Jim's house in Marysville at 3:00pm.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.Condolences for the family can be offered at:www.mcphersonfh.com