James Edwin Akitt

I work with Jim at forest lawn, mount pleasant and Simmons and McBride, and he would brighten your day, also when I moved he gave me things to help me get started. I just loved him.

Jimmy you were a real sweetheart and will never be forgotten. You were a real story teller. And always a good laugh. You have a reserved place in heaven Lots of love Marlene Armstrong

Thank you to the teams at Alternatives and Valley View funeral home for making sure Jimmy had a great send off. It was a wonderful service on a beautiful sunny day. Godwyn did a great job; as usual; Eulogizing Jimmy. Jimmy would of been proud of the food and CWW served for our time of fellowship. Thank you!

Oh Jimmy! You have left behind so many great memories and stories. You stopped at nothing to make sure a family was well taken care of. You were the most fun host when you invited guests to your house or to your place at the Glen. Your trailer was top notch. You went above and beyond, some would say "over the top", but I loved how you created your spaces into something so magical. You're the only person I know that switches ALL bath and kitchen fixtures out to make them Kohler, in your home AND in your trailer. Your electrical skills were bar none, you lit up the world and left a legacy behind for so many to enjoy. Jimmy sure was one interesting character and I will always remember him with great fondness. He will live on in the numerous "Jimmy stories" we all have. He leaves behind a lot of smiles because of who he was and all the Jimmy things he did. I'm glad I got to know him. I believe we are all richer for it. Thanks for all the good times Jimmy. Rest well knowing you made this world a brighter place.

When Jimmy and i became neighbors 8 years ago at The Cedars Co-Op, i learned that he was a most generous member. He volunteered a lot and was responsible for the many Christmas lights on the huge tree beside his home. Today, there remains a forever legacy as he donated outdoor lights that surround our clubhouse. We bid farewell at a celebration of life this afternoon at the Valley View Cemetery. The excellent speakers honoring Jimmy were wonderful. This was followed by an absolutely delicious buffet, all thanks to "Alternative Funeral Service" in Aldergrove (where Jimmy was last employed).

We shared a ton of laughs over many years. Thank you Jimmy for keeping us all smiling in a profession that isn’t always about smiles. We always heard you say “Hi for you”! We now say “Bye for you” our dear friend. Rest in peace Jimmy, we will miss you forever. Tony Hicks

A most interesting man of various skill, humour and a smirk that made me smile from across the room. Jim and I worked together in the early days of my career in funeral service. At first, I questioned the "Jimmy-twist" to the stories, but alas in the end, I learned a lot from him and we shared a good laugh. There are many unforgettable Jimmy stories...…He was a service-driven man who will be missed. Rest easy now Jim.

Sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I always enjoyed working with him, he often made me laugh. Jimmy was a kind person and cared about the families he served, I know the last few years were hard for him, rest easy my friend .

Jimmy was always the perfect host. When you were invited for dinner you knew your wine would be served in a Waterford crystal glass, your bacon wrapped steak would be cooked to perfection and served on a warm plate. He had a gift for making people feel special when they were in his home. Jimmy put people at ease with his sense of humor. He always had stories to share of his adventures. We would gather ‘round his “Betty Davidson” while he played the organ, after dinner. He loved traveling, especially on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Taking over a dozen cruises during his lifetime. In his later years he bought himself a place at the Glen, just south of the border, where he spent his weekends entertaining new and old friends. Jimmy knew how to enjoy life. Jim had a passion for lighting and electrical work. He seemed like an electrical wizard. He used his knowledge and skills from his time at Norbern Electric in Burnaby (now known as Norbern Lighting and Bath Centre) at the funeral homes that he worked for. His legacy lives on in the dimmer switches and lighting panels in his former home residences, and those of other friends. It is also apparent at Forest Lawn Chapel, among other funeral homes. His stories about hanging out with the likes of Liberace and other fun times both before his career as a funeral director and during as well, always leave us belly laughing with delight. Jim had a gleam in his eye, and was a friend to the friendless to a fault. Jim was always looking for an opportunity to entertain, have fun and reminisce with his friends and co-workers in his network of funeral home friends and family. Jim was dedicated to service excellence as a funeral director and once said of his treasured friend Jennifer Nelson “now there is a REAL funeral director.” He was kind and generous. He loved people and his pets. He leaves behind his Chihuahua Kirby, he is predeceased by Jasper, both rescue dogs that Jimmy loved dearly. We are heartbroken to have to say goodbye to him. His stories are legendary, like the man himself. Thanks for the memories Jimmy! Now I’ll kiss the rose and throw it in.

Thank you

Jimmy was kind, funny and generous. Many stories and memories that I will hold dear. He shared his whole heart and laughter with us all, a truly genuine kindred spirit. May his memory be a blessing.

Oh Jimmy, you made me laugh. One of the first I met and worked on service with. You will be missed.

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He helped us out in our funeral home several years ago. He was a classy, guy. Always impeccably dressed, and ready to serve... even eager to serve. I know the last few years were difficult for Jim. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be for blessing.