Tribute

It is with great sadness the family of James Edgar Protasiewicz announces the passing
of an extraordinary man who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to so many.
James passed away peacefully on Saturday July 22, 2023 at the age of 86 after a brief
battle with pancreatic cancer. Left to mourn and rejoice in his memory are his two
daughters and a son which includes Kim Grzybowski and husband George of Duncan
BC, Gwen Buller and husband David of Acworth, GA, and son Anthony Protasiewicz of
Vancouver, BC. James’ son Brian, wife Marie, and brother Teddy predeceased him.
James also leaves behind grandchildren Greg Grzybowski and his girlfriend Veronica
of Duncan, BC, Krista Grzybowski of Duncan, BC, David Buller and his wife Kimbar of
Jacksonville Beach FL, Laura Buller of Acworth, GA, Brittney Brock and her husband
Spencer of Dallas, GA, Nicole Cunnington and her fiancée Ralph of Surrey, BC, Alicia
Protasiewicz and her fiancée Adam of Chilliwack, BC, and Jeremy Hamilton of
Vancouver, BC. James also leaves behind five great-grandchildren, Dominic
Grzybowski, Shelby Grzybowski, Tannis Verbeek, David Buller and Teddy Buller, as well
as a large extended family that includes many nieces, nephews, cousins, and
numerous friends.
Jimmy was born in 1937, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up with family all around
him in Winnipeg and Cook’s Creek. Those who knew Jimmy knew he was always
wheeling and dealing. From a young boy selling newspapers on the corner of Portage
Avenue and Main St. to selling watches, he was always hustling. Jimmy had an
incredible work ethic and had many different types of jobs growing up. He worked as
a shoe shine boy, Salisbury House short order cook, bartender, in the mines, and even
as a taxi driver.
Jimmy was a sharp dresser always a crisp white shirt and the shiniest shoes. He was a
charmer with the ladies. Even at a young age the ladies chased him and he chased
them. He was an incredible dancer just like his father. Jimmy met beautiful Marie
when he was just 18, and they fell madly in love and were married immediately. They
both loved to dance, and often cleared the dance floor for everyone to watch them
dance to one of their favorites, “In The Mood”. They even won contests doing the Jive.
It was a complete pleasure to watch them.
They started a family straight away and then he started to work for AEI. This company
had them travel across Canada, from the Okanagan Valley all the way to Halifax with
their young family. In 1970, Jimmy and Marie took their adventures across the pond
and enjoyed a European vacation. They both loved travel and visited Hawaii,
MazatIan, Puerto Vallarta, Barbados and finally Acapulco. Jimmy and Marie chose
gorgeous Acapulco to be their home away from home for the next 25 years. In 1972,
they moved to Cooks Creek where they planted their roots.
You would know Jimmy’s place as the “house with the enormous satellite dish.”
Everyone knew he loved watching his TV. We think fondly of him watching his favorite
John Wayne western for the 50th time and drinking a beer. Jimmy started working for
MTS, and retired after 20 years.
He always looked forward doing charitable work. Raising money for the the United
Way at MTS was just one example. No one could ever say no to Jimmy. He would
always get your donation. Jimmy also loved helping run the bingo at the Knights of
Columbus. Even into his 70s he would drive all around Atlanta to help his daughter
Gwen pick up donations for charity work.
Jimmy was known for his passion of making conversation. He had so many stories to
share with all audiences, young and old. Another great thing about Jimmy was his
ability to find a garage sale. He would pull up in his little truck with his companion in
the passenger seat “the mannequin” and get ready to make a deal. He was always
such a great character.
Jimmy moved to Duncan, BC, in 2020 to be closer to his daughter Kim and her family.
Kim and her family have been incredible caregivers and constant support for her
father. In the final days of Jimmy’s illness the prayers, kind gestures, and encouraging
thoughts of scores of extended family members and friends, both new and old,
sustained Jimmy and his immediate family. It is requested, in lieu of flowers, donations
be made to the charity of The United Way in James Protasiewicz’s name. A private
interment will be held in the fall