Obituary of James William Black

James “Jim” Black
March 21, 1930 – May 2, 2025

It is with a mix of sorrow and joy that we remember the life of James “Jim” Black, who passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 95, in Quesnel, British Columbia. While we mourn the loss of a truly extraordinary man, we simultaneously celebrate the great life he lived — both in quantity and quality. It brings us repose that he was surrounded by love after a long and full life.

Born on March 21, 1930, in Virden, Manitoba, Jim was the second of eight children born to William and Eva Black. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic, taking on a career as a miner in many towns across Canada, before he eventually settled in Quesnel for a construction job. This town soon captured his heart (with the help of a darling young lady), and would shape the remaining chapters of his life.

On May 3, 1952, Jim married the love of his life, Loretta “Phyllis” Moriss. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and deep devotion. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 73 years, during which they raised eight children and were blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim and Phyllis were a pillar in their community, and their house was where you could always find the best cup of coffee in town and the most encouraging words of wisdom.

Jim had a quiet, easygoing nature. He lived by the principle that less is more, and those who knew him well admired his calm strength and steady presence. Somehow, he was simultaneously strong and resilient; while being gentle and loving. This was the magic of Jim’s character. Over the years in Quesnel, Jim worked a variety of jobs — from building the Cottonwood River Bridge, to delivering milk, then oil, and finally spending 27 dedicated years at Weldwood Mill.

Beyond his work, Jim enjoyed the social aspects and challenging nature of golfing, hunting, curling, and playing crib with Phyllis. They always kept score, but to this day we still don’t know who won the majority of the 44,552 games they played.

Jim lived life with all his heart. His legacy is one of compassion, kindness, strength, and generosity — which lives on in his surviving friends and family. Jim will be deeply missed by his wife Phyllis, his children: Lori, Lynn, Leslie, Leah, Tim, and Lisa, His grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. However, we take comfort in knowing he is being reunited with his loving sons Terry and Trent, and his beloved dogs Sophie and Du-Dog.

A formal service will not be held, as per Jim’s request. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a kind memory of Jim, or take a quiet moment to appreciate the simple joys of life — just as he always did.