May 29th, 1956 – April 26th, 2021

Remembering the life of James “Big Jim” Lightheart – AKA Buttercup

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, James (Jim) Lightheart on April 26th, 2021. He had been involved in a tragic accident while driving on the Coquihalla Highway he had succumbed to his injuries. Dad was (64) Sixty-Four years old.

He grew up in Woodstock, Ontario where he became accustomed to the back roads, highways, towns and cities which surrounded him.  Jim’s first taste of driving trucks was in the early 1970’s when hauling cement for the early construction of Toronto’s CN tower. It was then he found his passion for the open road.

Jim was proud to have served his country in peacekeeping missions for the years he did.  Joining the 2nd Battalion with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in 1973 out of Manitoba and resided in Winnipeg during his post.  It was there Jim met the love of his life Margaret Houle of Ebb and Flow First Nation. After being in a seven month relationship they married on February 25th, 1978. While Jim and Marge were together they had (3) children; James, Donald and Gina. Shortly after Jim changed post to the 3rd Battalion with PPCLI, he moved out to Edmonton and separated with Marge, eventually ending in divorced.

Jim’s work ethic was just one of his attributes.  His passion of driving led him travelling across Canada, on the ice roads of the North West Territories and also into the United States hauling freight. During his truck driving career Jim met and connected with others who also enjoyed the same line of work. His character and personality was contagious, once was all it took to remember him, which for many was the start of lasting friendship. Individuals who knew Jim reached out to him or vice versa just to check up on each other, he was always a man you could connect with, count on and respect. He was humorous in life but also had no problem expressing his thoughts to those who needed to hear it.  He was not someone to beat around the bush, sort of speak, as Jim would “tell you how it is” and at times “tell you where to go”.  Jim connected with hundreds, if not thousands of people during his trucking career, and while on the road would advise others by saying

“Be safe, my brothers and sisters”.  You know who you are and he will be truly missed.

Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2021-04-26
• Location : Kamloops