James Norman Whyte

James (Jim) Norman Whyte

His Story

James (Jim) Norman Whyte, extraordinary human, was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan on November 15, 1957, to his proud parents, Donald and Ruth Whyte who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Tracy, siblings Sandra and Douglas, and his nieces and nephews: Victoria, Barbara, Anne and Rebecca, David, Kevin, Ryan and Renée. As well as many cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Growing up in North Battleford Jim spent most of his free time at the family cabin at Jackfish Lake, he loved being out on the water whether sailing his laser, wind-surfing or on his paddle board. Jim graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geology. He worked at Canada Post for a number of years, leaving to work at the City of Mission Water District. After a time, his prairie roots called him back to North Battleford where he rejoined Canada Post. A few years later he obtained a much desired transfer out of the cold to Victoria in 1994 where the second chapter of his life began.

Meeting a girl named Tracy in the spring of 2000 completed Jim’s life. They married in Whistler on November 11, 2006. A day of remembrance it was for certain.

Jim adored Tracy, and she him. They were each other’s person and loved each other deeply. His support of her and their little family was always there, whether her career in real estate, the many homes they bought and renovated, or her passion for tennis and golf, he was steadfast and true in championing her and their life together.

What endeared Tracy to Jim was his excellent sense of humour, that he enjoyed small gatherings over large, was a sociable and sweet guy who was so great to be around. They spent many happy hours together on the golf course, tennis courts or cooking up feasts in the kitchen. As much as he loved Tracy, Jim also loved his garden and back yard, the birds especially hummers, crows, and of course the squirrels. He had names for them all.

They spent many happy travelling times together with highlight reels of trips to PEI, Spain & Portugal. In the early years there were many trips to Mexico and then regular winter vacations to the Big Island of Hawaii. Golf took place in each place visited, a two-week golf and sightseeing tour on PEI and watching a PGA tour event at Kaanapali were just two of many favourites. In the last several years there were many summer trips to Seclusion Bay on Okanagan Lake where playing golf and tennis rounded out each summer.

Sports in most forms played a big part in Jim’s life whether playing or watching it on TV. His NFL football teams were the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, he rooted for the Canucks in good times and bad, played tennis and golf, but hockey with his beloved old-timer’s team, the Sidney Retreads, was very much his passion. He looked forward with great anticipation to the annual guy’s golf getaway, the famous “Minky.” Jim considered his hockey, golf and tennis buddies as true friends and looked forward to the monthly “Philosophers’ Club” pub get togethers. If not involved in a sporting event he could be counted on to look for something in the house that needed a fresh coat of paint.

Jim adored his very close childhood friends Kim Stahl, Al Tatchell, Dan O’Hanlon and Bill McIntosh and he always made a point of calling them on their birthdays, visiting them at the Lake when he was in town, or simply calling to catch up. At one point in university, he rented a house with Kim and another good friend, Tim Kramer. With Kim, Tim and Jim sharing the place it was soon known as the “House of Im”.

Although he loved visiting all the dogs on his route and always made extra time for cuddles and ear scratches, work was not something Jim’s life revolved around. He couldn’t wait to get home, and he couldn’t wait to retire. Tracy says it best. “Jim was a gentle, kind, patient and loving soul. He loved his home and his life. The best of the best. My person, my best friend, the love of my life.

Tragically, Jim’s life ended far too soon, on July 12, 2024 at the young age of 66. In honour of his memory please consider donating to two special organizations:

1. The SPCA. Jim loved animals…all creatures really. He was a catch and release guy with spiders, wasps, and flies, even if they got into the house.

2. There is no cure for ALS, and its diagnosis, especially for the relatively rare form Jim had took well over a year. Donations can be made to the UBC ALS Clinic & Cure initiative: Project Hope: https://www.alsbc.ca/als-and-related-disorders-clinic-opens-at-ubc/