The family of James Matthew Szekeres are extremely saddened to announce his passing at the age of 56.
James, or Jimmy as he liked to be called by close family, spent 16 years of his life in the Vancouver Police Department. Jim was a trailblazer, eventually rising to the rank of the detachment’s first full-time media relations officer. Upon his retirement, he moved to Kamloops and devoted himself to his family, and social work with A.S.K. Wellness. Like his work with the VPD, Jim was integral to the bettering of numerous lives through his work with the program.
He is survived by his wonderful children Katelyn (Nathanael), Matthew, and Jonathan from Debi, his beautiful daughter Angeline from Sherie, his close friends Bob, John, and Scotty, as well as numerous family in Ontario, including his brother John Michael, Sister Judy and mother June, and late father John Julius.
Jim grew up in Oshawa, Ontario, and decided to make his mark early, moving out at the age 15. He loved action movies, foods that are bad for you, and was a late convert to the Vancouver Canucks. He was a voracious reader of any topic, and in addition to his many successes in life, Jim’s greatest achievement was being a perfect father, mentor and role model for his four children. Jim was the center of any party, always the funniest person in the room, and his infectious smile and laughter will be never be forgotten.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Jimmy at the Kamloops Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26th, at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Jim’s Kitchen by contacting the Crossroads Inn.
14 Tributes
Jim is my first cousin and nephew to my mother, Blanche. My father and Jim’s father were brothers. My mother and I were saddened to have heard of his passing away. I recall with fondness many happy memories growing up in Oshawa, Ontario in the late 1960s and early 1970s the Friday nights spent at Aunt June and Uncle Julius’ house with John Michael, Jimmy and Judy. Jimmy’s smile would always light up the room. Camping trips with Jimmy and his family out to Picton, Ontario, provided further laughter for all family. He was a gentle soul who always made sure company was happy, content and well nourished. I was touched when Jim, along with my school principal, made a surprise visit to me in my classroom in Oshawa while I was teaching a lesson a few years ago. Rest in peace, Jimmy, and, as Shakespeare once wrote, “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Dear Sherie and Angeline,
My thoughts are with you and Angeline at this time. I didn’t know Jim that well but, through you, knew how much he loved and was proud of his children. I remember seeing many family photos at your desk at BCLC.
My condolences to you my friend and your family,
Nicole
I remember working as a pre recruit with Jimmy in the Comm Centre before we went into the police academy. That was the start of a great freindship for years to come. We then got to work together in the Mounted Unit where Jimmy provided us with entertaining commentary everyday. Always good for a laugh or a great story. He was a ton of fun to hang around with. I lost contact with Jimmy after he left the force but I was fortunate enough to recently communicate with him via email. We were supposed to get together for a java but I waited too long to make the move. Sorry I missed you Jim. We’ll catch up one day in the afterlife. To the Szekeres Family, please accept my sincerest condolences. Jim will be missed by a lot of people he touched over the years.
I worked with Jimmy in the Community Relations Section of the Vancouver Police Department when he was first made the media spokesman. We worked side by side and shared many a laugh and good time. Jim made his stressful job look easy and was soon popular with everyone. Because he was on the news almost nightly Jim was one of the most recognized people on TV. Everyone knew his name, and more importantly, they all knew how to spell “Szekeres”.
I spoke to Jim last year by phone and he brought me up to date on his life. Jim was most proud of his children and told me all about them. It was clear that Jim loved his kids, and that he was a great Dad.
I will always remember Jimmy for his cheerfulness and quick smile, and his honesty and kindness.
My sympathy and condolences to all his family.
Tricia Kean (Retired VPD)
Jim and I began the Police Academy together in 1978. The bond that police recruit classmates form is extremely special and constant throughout their policing career and private life. Jim was always positive and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Jim had a chuckle that you could never forget and smile that would light up a room. I am sorry I was not able to reconnect with him since my move to Kamloops in 2013. I look forward to remembering Jim at his service. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
Dave Nelmes (Retired VPD)
Jim & I first met when he worked at the casino in downtown Kamloops. From there grew a rare friendship that at times tested us both. A true lover of life. Jim always told you the truth, sometimes when you wanted to hear & sometimes not. To this day the motto of “Always do the best you can with what you have & at the end of the day even you don’t have the right to ask anymore of yourself” stays with me. And this I have passed on to so many others. From watching the hockey to working together putting in flooring, having a Timmy’s & buying a puppy or opening ones eyes to what only he could see. A true friend & gentleman. May his wisdom always stay with us & his smile & laughter never be forgotten. Cheers Jim.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and children. I worked with Jim at Lake City Casino and will remember him fondly. He always had stories to tell and was quick to provide humor to any situation. He was very proud of his children and talked about them constantly. Jim will be missed.
We are all saddened at Jims tragic passing and wish to express our sincere condolences to his family. There was a time when the four of us were inseparable but as time goes on sometimes people drift apart.. be that as it may we always kept in touch from time to time. We were like brothers when we needed each other there was no hesitation to help especially from Jim. Not one of us had more fun and laughs then with Jim he always had a wisecrack or a smile that was infectious when the four of us were together it was a sight to behold there were so many good times I couldn’t even start. I seen jimmy last summer and we were planning on a reunion of sorts this summer . Russ Steve and I as will all of you will miss our friend forever but our memories will always be there and they are all good. Once again our heartfelt sympathy to Jims family.
Love ya bud
Phil Russ and Steve
I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jim. I will always be grateful for the times that Jim spent in Merritt with me , as we worked closely together at the grassroots of getting the first Extreme Weather Shelter up and running ( Shelter from the Storm). He always arrived in his great long trench coat and as time went on his great long hair as he walked the streets of Merritt with me. It was a true pleasure to work side by side with Jim and it’s such a warm memory thinking of the many kind deeds he did for those in need. Merritt’s shelter is still going today…thank-you Jim from my heart.
In kindness & Love,
Shelley
We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim’s untimely passing and send our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jim was my first cousin and also a good friend of my husband Dan when they were in highschool. This past week I have fondly remembered childhood times our families spent together, camping trips and get-togethers with our fathers’ extended Hungarian community. Jimmy was a gentle and sensitive child who matured into a caring and compassionate person. In highschool he had a fantastic sense of humour, never hesitated to help whenever needed, befriended everyone he met and offered kind and supportive words to those going through difficult times. Traits that served him well in his future careers and especially as a father. Cherish your memories.
Dear Sherie:
May you and Angeline celebrate all the fabulous times you had together, over and over again. You have my deepest sympathy, please let any of your friends know if there is anything we can do for you.
Holly Spence
My name is Carol Gray. I was born Carol Foote, first cousin on my father’s side to June Szekeres. June’s Mother, Frona was my Dad’s (Anson’s) sister. So Jimmy was my second cousin. June always called my Dad Uncle Yanson.
June and Johnny (we called him back then) were frequent and welcome visitors to our farm in Morven when I was a little kid. She brought the boys (John Michael and Jimmy) there when they were infants and toddlers. We moved away to the USA and lost track of everyone, so I did not know Jimmy as he was growing up. It sounds like he was a really good guy.
I do remember all the wonderful Hungarian food!
All my best to the Szekeres family, especially cousin June. I hope she can find strength in remembering the good times and the love and laughter that Jimmy brought to her.
My name is Marisa, I’m John’s daughter and Jimmy’s niece. I can’t believe it’s been over 2 years since he passed. Jimmy was hilarious, kind, generous and caring. When I was 19 and going through a tough time, he and Deb opened up their home in Aldergrove to me and I stayed with his family for 6 months. I think of him often, and he is deeply missed.
Love you Unkie Jimbo❤❤
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