Tribute

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of James (Jamie) Alexander Coles.  Jamie passed away in the arms of his wife, Annette, on November 21, 2025.  The third child of Elsie and Ron Coles, he was born on May 21, 1957 in Victoria, BC.

Predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and mother-in-law, Jamie is survived by his wife, Annette, his brothers, Walter (Mary) and David, his sister Sylvia (Jaymie), father-in-law Roland, two brothers-in-law, Grant (Brenda) and Paul (Deneen), nieces, nephews and numerous extended family members.

Jamie loved being outdoors.  Despite numerous health challenges throughout much of his life, he loved hunting, fishing, wilderness hikes, swimming and exploring beaches. He had many fond memories of beach vacations with his parents, siblings and extended family. He loved being on and in the water. While his hunting career began at a young age on Vancouver Island with his father, in his later years he was particularly fond of his annual hunting trips with friends and family in the interior of BC and in Alberta. Jamie was a determined soul. He did not let health challenges get in the way of living a full life.  He even learned how to drive a transport truck and scuba dive.

His determination extended into his professional life.  After trying his hand at several different occupations, including welder, truck driver, and heavy equipment operator, he courageously opened his own business in bailiff and debt collection.  He successfully operated this business for more than 20 years before he shut it down to retire. His determination and hard work enabled him to be successful with a new business start-up.

Jamie is remembered for his gentle and kind nature.  He was equally as happy at a family event as he was sharing a laugh with his hunting buddies around the campfire.  He had an incredible and infectious laugh. In 1999, he met his soul mate, Annette and the two were married in 2000.  Jamie was loved and highly respected within his then expanded family.  He was admired for his loving and helpful manner and relationship with his father-in-law and his mother-in-law.  His deep and undeniable love for Annette was obvious to all who knew him.

With a bold spirit, at various times, Jamie ventured away exploring many opportunities. He lived in several different communities, including Victoria, Dawson Creek, Oakville, Nanaimo, Duncan and most recently Port Alberni. Although he travelled many roads in his life, they always led him back to his homebase of Vancouver Island.

Despite his allergies to animals, Jamie loved dogs but could never own one. Later in life, Jamie fell in love with Sam, the labradoodle next door.  Much to his surprise, he was not allergic to Sam and discovered that he could now have a dog.  In 2022, Tucker came into his life – the dog he always wanted. They had a strong bond and were inseparable.

We would like to express our thanks to the staff at Cowichan District Hospital.  Extra special thanks to friends and neighbours in Duncan (Linda, Rob, Don and Sherie) for providing Annette and Tucker places to stay and call home base during Jamie’s time in the Cowichan District Hospital.

An interment service will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery, 5360 Josephine Street, Port Alberni, BC at 11:00 am on December 13, 2025.  A brief graveside tribute will be offered and all family and friends wishing to attend are welcome.  Refreshments and a time for sharing memories of Jamie will take place immediately following. Directions will be provided at the service. A memorial celebration of Jamie’s life will be held at a later date.