James Paul McNamee
November 6th, 2020
It is with gratitude for a long and joy-filled life that we announce the passing of James Paul McNamee, of White Rock, B.C., on November 6, 2020.
James was born in 1930 in Montreal, Quebec, and spent his early childhood on a family farm in Bonnyville, Alberta. He was the eldest in a family of three boys, including Paul (1935 to 1961), and Denis (1939 - ). After Bonnyville, his family moved to British Columbia and lived in Victoria and Prince George, finally settling in Surrey.
While attending the University of British Columbia, James enrolled in the Canadian Officer Training Corps, and was stationed for the summer months in Montreal, Quebec, where he met the "beautiful and enchanting" Madeleine Audette. James and Madeleine continued their courtship through two long years of summer visits and "romantic winter scribbling" until Madeleine moved to BC in 1953. In his words, "on August 8, 1953, James Paul McNamee, broke and with few prospects, married Madeleine Rose Audette in New Westminster, BC." They settled in Surrey to begin their life together, and to raise their family.
James began teaching French in Coquitlam, and soon became an elementary school principal. He served for many years as principal of Ranch Park Elementary and Viscount Alexander Elementary, and was active in the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation and the Coquitlam Teachers' Association. Upon his retirement in 1988, in recognition of his contributions to the teaching profession and his principled commitment to public education, James was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership by the Coquitlam Teachers' Association.
James and Madeleine embarked on a long and fulfilling retirement together, travelling the world, and living a quiet and hardworking life on their farm in South Surrey. James was a dedicated and passionate researcher and documenter of family history, and spent many long days in retirement writing the delightful Genealogical Study of the McNamee Family, "Those We Know", Volumes 1 and 2. Family was everything to James and he is survived by Madeleine, his wife of 67 years, his brother Denis, his children Peter, John, Mary, Anne, and Joseph, his 17 grandchildren, and his 8 great grandchildren.
The family is grateful for the great kindness and care shown by the staff of Peace Arch Hospital during his final months of his life. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Tante Madeleine, Cousins: Peter, John et Joseph Cousines : Mary et Anne ainsi qu'à l'ensemble de votre famille. Toute nos Condoléances pour la perte de oncle James. Nous sommes en pensée avec vous. De la-haut il veillera sur vous.. "Un être cher ne nous quitte jamais . Il vit au plus profond de notre coeur . Et pour le revoir il suffit de fermer les yeux" Tante Thérèse Audette Perreault Vos cousins et cousines :Françoise, Christiane, Sylvie, Odette, Lucille, André, Anne, Jean et Rachel ainsi que nos enfants et petits-enfants.. xxxxxxxx
Tante Madeleine ,cousins : Peter ,John et Joseph...Cousines Mary et Anne Ainsi qu'à l'ensemble de votre famille toutes nos sincères condoléances pour le départ de oncle James ...Nos pensées vous accompagnent durant cette épreuve ..... Il veillera sur vous ... " Un être cher ne nous quitte jamais Il vit au plus profond de notre coeur Et pour le revoir il suffit de fermer les yeux " Tante Thérèse Audette Perreault Ces enfants: Françoise,Christiane,Sylvie,Odette, Lucille, André,Anne,Jean et Rachel Perreault ..Conjoints,conjointe, petits-enfants et arrières petits-enfants .. xxxxxxxxx
Toutes mes condoléances Tante Madeleine, à toi et à tes enfants. Je pense très fort à vous et je vous embrasse. Fille de Thérèse Audette
My fondest memory of your Dad is a heart-to-heart that he and I had in the apple orchard on the farm. On that day, he convinced me to go back to university to become a teacher. He will be remembered as warm, kind, funny, loving, and so genuine. My heart is with you, Madeleine, and with the rest of your family.
Dear auntie Madeleine, Peter, brothers and sisters: in early 1990s our family met nice uncle James and auntie Madeleine in Vietnam when they accompanied our friend Peter during an ESSA mission. We were very happy with their visits, and in particular James’ kind idea of making connection between the British Columbia Teachers' Federation with the Vietnamese Teacher Union to support poor schools in Vietnam. We also highly appreciated their warm hospitality when uncle James drove his motorhome with aunt Madeleine to show a Vietnamese team during a tour in BC. Time flies so fast. After nearly thirty years from our first meeting, two years ago we still met uncle James and auntie Madeleine again in Vancouver. Unfortunately we could not be with you during this period due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, uncle James retains a prominent position in our memory. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.