Obituary for James Arthur Stocco
James Arthur Stocco
March 25, 1949 to January 10, 2021
Jim Stocco passed away peacefully with his wife, Shirley, by his side on January 10, 2021. He is predeceased by his parents James and Pearl Stocco and his brother Donnie Stocco. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 32 years, Shirley Steele, his partner in love and adventure; his daughter, Lori Stocco (Dean) and granddaughters Delilah and Caitlin whom he was so very proud of; his sister, Lynda (Colin) Dykes and nephews Blair (Ariel) Dykes and Neal (Amber) Dykes; and Shirley Steele’s children of whom he was very fond, Allison Searle (Dave) and grandson Will, Cameron Searle (Allison) and grandchildren Rylie, Tayven, and Berch, and Kimberly Searle (Doug).
Jim grew up in Drumheller where his friends called him “Ernie,” which evolved from “Einstein.” Jim was as humble as he was talented and so he would not have told you he earned the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s award for high marks when he graduated from high school in 1966. He obtained his undergrad from SFU in Economics. His law degree was earned at the University of Alberta, and he was called to the Bar in Edmonton in 1979. His intelligence coupled with a photographic memory would frustrate his professors with his ability to achieve excellent grades whilst maintaining a less than exemplary attendance record. He rewrote the Alberta Bar exam in his 50s and was told he achieved one of the highest marks in the testing group. We were always trying to get him to apply for a spot on “Jeopardy” to no avail.
He also would never tell you that he was an accomplished violinist in his youth and was blessed with perfect pitch, which on the best of days he would use for perfectly off-key accompaniments to one of his favourites, Frank Sinatra.
Jim practiced law in Whitecourt, Alberta, for a number of years after being called to the Bar, but he was uninspired by the practice of law and lawsuits for the “principle” of the thing or a pursuit of antagonistic “justice.” Those clients would often be asked, “How much principle are you willing to pay for?” or “How much justice can you afford?” He believed in acting with integrity and standing up for the underdog.
Jim met Shirley in Calgary in 1987, and they were married in Venezuela in 1989. Jim was drawn to South America, and enjoyed times spent with Shirley in Venezuela particularly, with dreams of owning a pineapple and coffee plantation. In the early 1990s, though, the spirit of adventure called them north to the Yukon Territory where Jim was drawn to work in First Nations communities. He saw a need and felt he could make a difference and said many times his guiding principle was always on finding someone from the Nation to mentor to take over his job.
One of Jim’s favourite stories from his work with First Nations was about the first day he arrived in the small community of Beaver Creek, Yukon, just a few miles from the Alaska Border in the depths of a harsh winter. As he got out of his car, a little Elder woman came running up calling out, “You have come! You have come! We are so glad you have come!” She proceeded to literally wrap her arms tightly around his waist. He was shocked and could not have imagined his arrival could be so important. And then it became clear she thought he was the furnace repairman.
He later returned to school to take extensive training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution and acted in the role of Mediator between First Nations and the Federal Government. Mediation was much more to his liking as the goal is a win/win on both sides.
Jim and Shirley also owned and operated a Yukon wilderness lodge. The Bayshore was situated in the mountains on the shores of Kluane Lake, a pristine, glacier-fed, turquoise blue beauty. It was a fun place to stay with great food, awesome tunes, and spectacular views. Guests came from all over the world. You have not truly heard Vivaldi’s “Spring” until you have experienced it turned up to “11” echoing off a mountain with the reflection of the moon sparkling across the lake. What he created was very special, and it was recognized by the Yukon Government. They offered Jim a Ministerial Appointment to the Yukon Tourism Board which he graciously declined. Jim always said the best part of all is that daughters Lori and Allison joined in with the staff for several summers.
A favorite expression of Jim’s was, “Look on the bright side.” Whenever someone would make what he perceived as a frivolous complaint, he would provide them with a perfectly preposterous reason to be cheerful instead. He had a quick wit and a keen sense of humour.
So, Jim, look at the bright side: You didn’t want a funeral, and due to a global pandemic, we have been prevented from holding one. However, you can’t stop us from holding a celebration of life when the family is able to gather again. Memories will be shared, a glass of wine raised, and music will be played (probably loudly) and will undoubtedly include the Beatles, Vivaldi, Mozart, the Doobie Brothers, ELO, and Frank Sinatra to name a few. We are so proud of you. You will be greatly missed.
We are deeply grateful to all the Doctors and Nurses on the Palliative Care Unit. Their grace, kindness and compassion were beyond words. We felt surrounded by love. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the sending of Starbucks gift cards to the Palliative Care Unit, Abbotsford Regional Hospital, 32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford BC V2S 0C2.
March 25, 1949 to January 10, 2021
Jim Stocco passed away peacefully with his wife, Shirley, by his side on January 10, 2021. He is predeceased by his parents James and Pearl Stocco and his brother Donnie Stocco. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 32 years, Shirley Steele, his partner in love and adventure; his daughter, Lori Stocco (Dean) and granddaughters Delilah and Caitlin whom he was so very proud of; his sister, Lynda (Colin) Dykes and nephews Blair (Ariel) Dykes and Neal (Amber) Dykes; and Shirley Steele’s children of whom he was very fond, Allison Searle (Dave) and grandson Will, Cameron Searle (Allison) and grandchildren Rylie, Tayven, and Berch, and Kimberly Searle (Doug).
Jim grew up in Drumheller where his friends called him “Ernie,” which evolved from “Einstein.” Jim was as humble as he was talented and so he would not have told you he earned the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s award for high marks when he graduated from high school in 1966. He obtained his undergrad from SFU in Economics. His law degree was earned at the University of Alberta, and he was called to the Bar in Edmonton in 1979. His intelligence coupled with a photographic memory would frustrate his professors with his ability to achieve excellent grades whilst maintaining a less than exemplary attendance record. He rewrote the Alberta Bar exam in his 50s and was told he achieved one of the highest marks in the testing group. We were always trying to get him to apply for a spot on “Jeopardy” to no avail.
He also would never tell you that he was an accomplished violinist in his youth and was blessed with perfect pitch, which on the best of days he would use for perfectly off-key accompaniments to one of his favourites, Frank Sinatra.
Jim practiced law in Whitecourt, Alberta, for a number of years after being called to the Bar, but he was uninspired by the practice of law and lawsuits for the “principle” of the thing or a pursuit of antagonistic “justice.” Those clients would often be asked, “How much principle are you willing to pay for?” or “How much justice can you afford?” He believed in acting with integrity and standing up for the underdog.
Jim met Shirley in Calgary in 1987, and they were married in Venezuela in 1989. Jim was drawn to South America, and enjoyed times spent with Shirley in Venezuela particularly, with dreams of owning a pineapple and coffee plantation. In the early 1990s, though, the spirit of adventure called them north to the Yukon Territory where Jim was drawn to work in First Nations communities. He saw a need and felt he could make a difference and said many times his guiding principle was always on finding someone from the Nation to mentor to take over his job.
One of Jim’s favourite stories from his work with First Nations was about the first day he arrived in the small community of Beaver Creek, Yukon, just a few miles from the Alaska Border in the depths of a harsh winter. As he got out of his car, a little Elder woman came running up calling out, “You have come! You have come! We are so glad you have come!” She proceeded to literally wrap her arms tightly around his waist. He was shocked and could not have imagined his arrival could be so important. And then it became clear she thought he was the furnace repairman.
He later returned to school to take extensive training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution and acted in the role of Mediator between First Nations and the Federal Government. Mediation was much more to his liking as the goal is a win/win on both sides.
Jim and Shirley also owned and operated a Yukon wilderness lodge. The Bayshore was situated in the mountains on the shores of Kluane Lake, a pristine, glacier-fed, turquoise blue beauty. It was a fun place to stay with great food, awesome tunes, and spectacular views. Guests came from all over the world. You have not truly heard Vivaldi’s “Spring” until you have experienced it turned up to “11” echoing off a mountain with the reflection of the moon sparkling across the lake. What he created was very special, and it was recognized by the Yukon Government. They offered Jim a Ministerial Appointment to the Yukon Tourism Board which he graciously declined. Jim always said the best part of all is that daughters Lori and Allison joined in with the staff for several summers.
A favorite expression of Jim’s was, “Look on the bright side.” Whenever someone would make what he perceived as a frivolous complaint, he would provide them with a perfectly preposterous reason to be cheerful instead. He had a quick wit and a keen sense of humour.
So, Jim, look at the bright side: You didn’t want a funeral, and due to a global pandemic, we have been prevented from holding one. However, you can’t stop us from holding a celebration of life when the family is able to gather again. Memories will be shared, a glass of wine raised, and music will be played (probably loudly) and will undoubtedly include the Beatles, Vivaldi, Mozart, the Doobie Brothers, ELO, and Frank Sinatra to name a few. We are so proud of you. You will be greatly missed.
We are deeply grateful to all the Doctors and Nurses on the Palliative Care Unit. Their grace, kindness and compassion were beyond words. We felt surrounded by love. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the sending of Starbucks gift cards to the Palliative Care Unit, Abbotsford Regional Hospital, 32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford BC V2S 0C2.