James Goodacre
With great sadness we note the peaceful passing of James Goodacre, better known as Jim, in his home December 20, 2010. Jim had just celebrated his 85th birthday December 14th and was preparing for a busy Christmas season with family and friends at the time of his passing.
Jim Goodacre was born in Telkwa in 1925 and his family moved to Smithers in 1927 where he has lived almost continuously, taking two years (1944-1946) to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon his return to Smithers he joined his father Clarence in the family grocery store, Goodacre’s Stores, which was located on Main Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. They were later joined by Jim’s younger brother Slim. Jim and Slim maintained a business partnership until the present time.
Jim married Margaret Dunn in 1949. They were blessed with five children, three boys and two girls. Their eldest, John died as a teenager and their youngest, Donald died in his 20s. Son Bill (Mary Etta) lives in Smithers, daughter Mary (Dave) lives in Nanaimo, and Patti (Rick) lives in Terrace.
Aside from so many years serving the public through the grocery business Jim made a strong contribution through community service. The Lion’s Club and the Royal Canadian Legion were his two main community activities and he derived a lot of satisfaction from his involvement in these organizations.
Generosity of spirit is one feature Jim Goodacre is noted for. Over the years he made many friends and he really cherished these friendships. For, example, over the years mineral explorationists and prospectors he met through the store would come back into the area over the years and Jim would remember these people and greet them as old friends. He always showed an interest in people and did his best to make people feel welcome (shoplifters were an exception).
But family played the central role in Jim’s life. Even his vacations in BC were geared around visiting relatives scattered around the province. He was the greatest Grandpa.
A funeral service will be held 11 am Wednesday, December 29th at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Smithers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
c/o Charlotte Greer
Box 2826
Smithers, BC V0J 2N0