August 11, 1956 - January 30, 2025
In loving memory ~
James "Jim" Manson
August 11, 1956 — January 30, 2025
James Arthur Manson arrived in the world August 11th, 1956.
68 years later, on January 30th, Jim peacefully slipped away to the heavens.
'Jimmy' was born in Trail, BC and was the first son of Don and Joyce Manson.
Two years later Jim's brother 'Kenny' was born. The Manson brothers spent countless winter hours of their early childhood playing hockey on a well-lit backyard rink in Kinnaird.
In 1964 'Ronny' was born and the family relocated to Golden, BC.
The Manson family was among the fabric of young families where year-round road hockey and summer baseball were a constant. To this day the neighborhood kids remain tied together.
Jim was a gifted athlete, leaving home at 15, to play Junior hockey in Port Alberni and Vernon eventually returning to the Kootenay's to play with the Golden Rockets.
In 1976 his brother Ken, the game of hockey, and job with (Teck) Cominco brought Jim to Kimberley. Young Jimmy Manson instantly fit in with the sport-culture of Kimberley where his hockey and baseball teammates became friends for life.
In 1981 Jim met Diane Maletta just prior to Diane leaving on a European backpacking trip. Upon Diane's return, they moved in together. Ten years later, on the front porch of their little log house, surrounded by family and close friends, Jim and Diane were married.
Jim was a Pipe man for Cominco and he and Andy Drobot were partners underground, in Number 1 mineshaft, for almost 20 years.
Fishing and camping with Diane and their dog Sushi is where you'd find Jim on sunny summer weekends.
After the closure of the mine, Jim became a partner of a start-up business: he was the serviceman and installer of Marysville Hot Tubs.
Jim's world became centered around golf. Jim spent 15 . summers mowing fairways at Trickle Creek Golf Course. He loved the wildlife, the early morning views, huckleberries and the maintenance guys and gals.
Without fail Jim golfed Tuesday's and Thursdays with the Marysville guys at the Kimberley Golf Club (Purcell Golf).
Jimmy, Kenny, and Ronny's strong bond could be found at Kimberley's annual Pucksters golf event, followed by years of teeing off at Christina Lake. Sunny vacations were Jim's favorite. He was the first to arrive at the beach and he rarely missed a late day sunset. Jim is predeceased by his parents Don and Joyce Manson, and his in-laws Dominic and Jocie Maletta. When arriving at heaven's gate he was met by many friends that passed before him, and his furry, four-legged companions, Sushi and Tucker. Those of us left behind are trying to sort out how to live without Jim:Kenny and Dee, niece Jenna (Devon, Kenlie, and Harper), niece Erin (Brett, Olivia, Charlotte and Bo). Ronny and Tara, niece Chelsea, nephew Riley (Kabrina and Gray). Brother and Sister-in-law, Jim and Colleen Maletta.Lifetime friends, work colleagues and nearby neighbors. The gal he married on the front porch of the little log house, his wife Diane.
A Celebration of Jim's Life will take place in the spring.Announcement to follow.
