Remembering the life of
James “Big Jim” Lightheart
AKA Buttercup
May 29th, 1956 to April 26th, 2021
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
19 Tributes
May he RIP
Gone but not forgotten.
You were one of the best men I knew. You will be forever remembered and loved
Rest easy driver, your shift is over, we will take it from here
Fly high Jim. You will never be forgotten.
Love you grandpa ❤️
Jim I goin to miss u .. r travels back and forth were always a great trip and enjoyed .. creator bless his soul, may he r.i.p. ♥
It was a pleasure Serving with you in the 2nd Battalion Jim RIP
Love you uncle Jim
Rest Easy Patricia. VP
You will be missed my friend till we meet again we still have to go for that motorcycle ride altho it will have to be on the other side much love Jim.
Rip Jim , may your new journey be guided by the good light !
I write to express to you and your family the sincere condolences of the Patricia’s on the passing of Jim Lightheart. The Regiment remembers Jim’s service in 2 PPCLI and 3 PPCLI. The family I am sure are proud of that service.
Jim’s name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that out on November 11th, 2021 in the Sacred Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2021 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section.
Should any of Jim’s family want to maintain a connection with the Regiment, a gratis three year membership in the PPCLI Association is available. Contact Mr Herb Kenny, the Membership Chairman, at hkenny@shaw.ca, for details.
Thank you all.
Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired)
Colonel of the Regiment
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
RIP Brother
My friend, I will miss you. We took the cancer journey together and both came out the other side. Ride free my friend and brother.
R I P. Jimmy Boy. Thanks for all the laughter and being a brother. You won’t be forgotten.Billy and Lorrie.
RIP MY FRIEND
jim was a good man and i will truly miss him, we did have some good laughs together.
may your journey be a peaceful one.
we worked together at two small men
My condolences to Jimmy’s family.
RIP my friend. It was a honor working with you. I learnt alot and looked up to you. You were like a father I wish I had. I will truly miss you and your attitude on the road. Now you can chase all them pretty angels up there lol. Until we meet again brother
Condolences to the family. You are greatly missed Jim. Til we meet again.
Rip my love, we are all going to miss you here at home , people who love you, family and friends along the way
Rip my love, we are all going to miss you here at home , people who love you, family and friends along the way