James (Jim) Andrew McMurtrie, November 8, 1942 – July 20, 2025

Born in Port Alberni, BC to Bruce and Magda McMurtrie, Jim and his older sister Gudrun spent their early years growing up in the Alberni Valley. The family moved to the Cedar area and in 1962 Jimmy started as at MacMillan Bloedel Harmac Division as a labourer, and soon became an apprentice pipe fitter. This led to a career as a journeyman pipe fitter that spanned over 45 year until his retirement in April 2007. Many great friendships developed through the years at the Mill and continued long after hanging up the tools. In 1965 Jim married Gail (McDonagh), and they had two children Darcy (O’Toole) and Jason. Chase River was home for over 25 years and Jim spent several of those with the Chase River Fire Department as a Fire Fighter and, for a period of time, the Fire Chief. The family enjoyed fishing and camping, with many weekends spent at the Campbell Lakes, up the Port Alberni Canal, or on the West Coast of Vancouver Island where many wonderful memories were made. Jim and Gail went their separate ways and Jim connected with Wanda McGillivray. They enjoyed travelling, camping and outdoor activities. And also liked to holiday in Tulameen with Wanda and her family. Jim was unwell for quite sometime, but he ultimately passed away suddenly after an acute illness. He was comfortable, out of pain and surrounded by all his family. Predeceased by his parents and sister, Jim is survived and will be missed by his common-law spouse Wanda McGillivray and her family, ex-wife Gail McDonagh, children Jason McMurtrie (Ingrid Weber) and Darcy O’Toole (Sean), grandchildren Seamus and Delaney O’Toole, nieces and nephews (the Mowatt 5Bs) and their families, and Coco, the dog. Jim was known for his one liners and interesting expressions and would always bid you farewell with “Have a Good One”. Internment of his ashes at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

• Date : 2025-07-20
• Location : Nanaimo, BC