Jim James Jr.
“Big Jim”
Sht’àwkèt – Jim James Jr.
We gather here today to celebrate and remember the life of Sht’àwkèt, Jim James, a person who proved to be a kind and gentle giant, a lifelong learner, and an eager storyteller and teacher who remained ever connected to his family and the land where he spent his life. Known to many as Big Jim, Boomer, or Boom-Boom, Jim was a big man with an even bigger heart.
Jim was born at the end of March in 1939 on the shore of Tagish Lake across from Ten Mile to Lucy Atlin and Jimmy Scotty James. A middle child of 11, he lived to be 86, living independently at home with support and keeping his driver’s license right to the end.
It is impossible to completely capture all the amazing adventures that filled Jim’s life, the good he did for his family and friends. But he agreed to tell many stories in his biography [How I walk the Land] which sadly we were unable to publish before he passed. Everyone who knew him has a story to share.
Jim spent his early life hunting, fishing and trapping on the family trapline at Tutshi, Racine, and many years also at Takhini, Fish, Rose, and Mud Lakes.
His work experiences were varied and diverse involving sawmilling, mining, carpentry, heavy equipment operator and mechanic, especially hydraulics.
Jim taught himself to carve, always having a knife in his pocket and ready to whittle. He carved tools for hunting and fishing, gopher sticks and slingshots, ice chisels and fur stretchers. He carved and sold 4’ totem poles, and later walking and talking sticks.
Jim travelled to many places and learned from many teachers. He worked throughout his life to share those teachings with people willing to listen and learn. He loved to share his knowledge and connection to the land and all animals. These wild relatives were always a part of his life. He paid close attention to how they lived, what they needed, and how people should behave with them. He loved to bring children to fish camp and enjoy time on the land with family.
Jim experienced a lot of adversity in life, including residential school. Together he and life-mate Marie Wesalowski overcame alcohol, building a life that included constantly being on the land and sharing connections with family from their Tutshi Lake camp.
Jim lost two nieces with children in 1995 which broke his heart for a while. After being widowed, Jim found and loved Billy Girioux, supporting her and her grandchildren for many years. He was always sharing knowledge and teachings so that we could learn from them until the day he left us.
As we say goodbye to Jim; our friend, brother, uncle; let us remember all that he taught us and the true feeling of peace that he could give with a hug. His spirit will live in the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to have known him and learned from him.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support throughout
this time, for their sentiments, prayers and donations of cash or food. Thank you to the nurses and WGH staff. We are grateful.
