James Thomas Pickup

Our beloved, Jim Pickup, went into the light on February 23, 2016 after a short stay in the Royal Jubillee Hospital surrounded by his family. Jim left many wonderful memories for his wife, Carol (Steele) Pickup, daughters Andrea (Pickup) and spouse Randy Craddock and Anne Pickup, grandchildren Ashley, Emily and Hayley Craddock & Connor McCormack. He also leaves sisters, Margaret Lukinuk and Helen Masters, sister-in-law, Joan McLeod (Larry) and brother-in-laws, Herb (Erma) & John Steele as well as many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was a surrogate father to many boys & young men, including Ken Page, Jerry Nelson & sons, Mark Wright & brothers. Born in Nanaimo in 1935, Jim grew up in Langford and Victoria and graduated from Victoria High School. He was a track star in both long & short distance; including a number of marathons. Jim worked at a pharmacy while in high school, obtained his welder's ticket and worked at Yarrow's Shipyard. He took his vocational teacher training at UBC and became a welding instructor at Camosun College where he taught for over 25 years. Jim was a member of the Teachers' Curling Club and later, took up lawn bowling. An avid sports fisherman - Jim spent many happy days on the water with family & friends. A car enthusiast, Jim loved to attend the numerous shows throughout the island and could always identify the model, make and year of sighted antiques. An ambitious gardener - Jim loved dahlias and cultivated colourful English gardens and bountiful veggie gardens. Jim had a strong spiritual base that guided his life. He devoted many volunteer hours at the various churches he belonged to and made many wonderful friends. Jim was a strong supporter and member of the New Democratic Party and its values. He was also endlessly supportive of his wife's political career. With a cheeky sense of humour, Jim loved to tease everyone but mostly his dear wife, who gave it right back to him. He was an unassuming, caring man who especially loved spending time with children; including his 4 grandchildren. He had a great love of board & card games and was very lucky at both! Jim lived life to the fullest and saw beauty and wonder in each day. He will be greatly missed but his love lives on. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 5, 2016 from 1-4pm at the James Bay New Horizons Society. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Kidney Foundation - Victoria Chapter, or the charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life