James Arnold Price Jr. was simply "Jim" to those who knew him.

He was a salesman. He was a father who was loved and respected by two daughters and six grandchildren. He was outspoken, charming, and considerate. He had strong feelings--especially about the state of politics in Canada--and would share them with anyone who'd listen. He could cuss a blue streak. He loved animals. And he was an alcoholic, who inspired many within AA to remain dry during his 24-year membership in the organization.

Jim Price was born June 14, 1932 in London, Ontario. His parents were James Arnold Price Sr. and Dorothy Harrison-Price. He was a bright and dedicated student, receiving high marks as early as second grade. His sister, Patricia, was born when he was 14 after his mother--not expecting a child--was told that she had a tumor.

Jim took up the snare drum and took part in drum corps competitions throughout Canada and the US.

After playing in a Labour Day Parade at Toronto's CNE in 1949, Jim began dating a lovely young lady named Doris Lorimer whom he had met in the drum corps. Four years later, on August 1, 1953 they were married.

A third-generation salesman, Jim became an accomplished sales representative specializing in gears and bearings. His charm and natural wit made him a popular figure in his customer's offices, and he found himself travelling all over Ontario working with David Brown and other industrial equipment companies.

In 1960 Doris gave birth to Wendy. In 1963 Debbie was born. By this time it was apparent to everyone who knew Jim that he was struggling with his drinking.

In 1975 Jim was transferred to BC to open a sales office for Acklands Ltd. He travelled throughout BC as a salesman. The next year he finally came to grips with his alcohol problem and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. A model member who inspired many others to remain dry, he was interviewed on tape by Capilano College in 1980. Though he was now turning his life around, the many years as an alcoholic had taken their toll on his marriage. In 1982 he and Doris divorced, though they remained friends ever since.

Jim settled down in Surrey and met Margaret Cameron through AA. They were married in 1984. They were a happy couple and he enjoyed trips to her native England. Sadly, she died of cancer just two years later.

A relationship with Jeannie followed. Also an AA member, she was a marvellous cook and at his urging the two opened a small restaurant called "Jim and Jeannie's Dining Lounge." Though he was a kind man, his rough, oustpoken demeanor was not a good fit in the hospitality-sensitive setting of a restaurant. The dining lounge struggled and eventually failed. Soon after, Jeannie was diagnosed with cancer and died.

Jim settled into the single life, hampered by a struggle with emphisema. He loved especially spicy hot foods. He took pride in the hot chili he cooked and would constantly find new ways to increase its flame potential, experimenting with new discoveries of peppers around the world. He loved animals and through the years owned cats, dogs, and budgies. He always wanted a cockatiel, but never got around to owning one. Adept with guns, he was a security guard for a number of years.

In recent years he required oxygen on a regular basis--especially when on days when humidity was high. This restricted his movement and ability to travel. Yet he rarely complained or talked about his health problems. In late July 2000, he suffered a stroke. Dealing with it gamely in the resolute style he was known for, it was only through an MRI scan that a massive brain tumor was discovered. Just two weeks later, on August 13, 2000, James Arnold Price Jr. passed away in Surrey Memorial hospital.

Frank Sinatra. His favorite song was "My Way."
Carroll O'Connor, the actor who played "Archie Bunker."
Cockatiels and Parrots.
Exceptionally spicy hot foods. His chili was deadly.
Hockey. Especially the Toronto Maple Leafs and Paul Henderson's winning goal in 1972.
Animals of all kinds. Despite his crusty demeanor, animals loved him.
Swearing. He could cuss like you wouldn't believe.
Boxing. He was a huge boxing fan, and loved to talk about the big fights.

Pierre Trudeau. In Jim's eyes Trudeau destroyed Canada.
Recent Canadian politics. Jim felt the country is falling apart at the seams.
Montreal Canadiens. They owned the Stanley Cup way too long.
Guy Lafleur. You could just mention the name and watch Jim go into a flap!
Anything French-Canadian. Jim always felt that Canada had no place for a distinct society; that it should be seen as a country rather than a group of mini-states.