JAMES SWAIN COULTER

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

• Coincidently, my name is Jim Coulter. My daughter asked me to write a keepsake journal of my life so as to have something to leave her young son one day. It includes some family history, and that's how I came across this site. My grandfather, William Coulter was the younger brother of Jim's dad, John H. Coulter, making my dad, William Donald Coulter, Jim's cousin. My dad was born in Narcisse, Manitoba on November 5, 1920 and by May of 1921 the family had relocated to a homestead in north central B.C. Grandpa eventually ran a commercial dairy in Prince George, B.C. I first learned of the Manitoba Coulters in the 60's when we visited them on a family vacation, and I think we met them all. That was the farthest I'd ever been from home at that time and we had a lot of fun. In 1972, when I was 21 and travelling with a friend across the country, I managed to find the site of the farm....by this time it seemed to be between the lanes of a freeway. I spotted a guy in a big straw hat walking between the rows. We pulled over and I got out and walked toward him. He looked a little leery of this long haired kid coming toward him until I said, "Are you Jim Coulter?" He said he was and I said, "So am I." He took a step back, and then with a big smile he said, "Well, so you are!" We had a long conversation in the field, and then he told me that I had better walk over to the house and visit with Aunt Lizzie, which we did. It was such a great memory and I was surprised that anyone would remember me much less welcome me so readily. My father died in a car accident in 1980, but every time Jim and Lilian would travel to B.C. they made a point to visit my mother, Eleanor in Agassiz. A couple of those times, I was able to meet them there. I used to have season's tickets to the B.C. Lions games in the 1990's through my work, and hearing that Jim was a Bombers fan and there was going to be a game while he was in town, I gave him the two tickets. I told him they were only free because the Bombers weren't playing...otherwise I'd have to charge him. They seemed to enjoy that. I hope someone sees this...I know it's a little late. For the record, I have four sons and two grandsons, so the Coulter name lives on. Two of my boys have actually been to John H. Coulter Park. I will get there eventually, as well. I have nothing but fond memories of the times I saw Jim and Lilian...I wish there had been more of them. Jim Coulter, Kelowna B.C. - Posted by: James A. Coulter (Jim was my father's cousin.) on: Jan 05, 2025

• Uncle Jim was both a hard working down to earth farmer and a gregarious good natured generous host. I can see him with his white cowboy hat driving his tractor on fields near his home off the old 59 highway. I also recall him talking about the vagaries of vegetable farming due to weather, pests, soil conditions and market influences. He built the big above ground “root cellar” in order to improve stored product quality and he played a role in the Peak of the Market success in the Manitoba market. Coulter vegetables won many a ribbon at agricultural fairs and they were also generously distributed to grateful friends and family. Uncle Jim really enjoyed large family gatherings and his cheerful smile and laugh made one feel truly welcome. He respected the support of his hard working wife Lil who managed the kitchen and cohosted these celebrations. Many a family feast followed by billiards, table tennis, or snowmobile rides were kindly provided for extended family. Jim also provided playful nicknames for family members. For some reason he dubbed me “Pete the sewer digger”. Go figure😊. Whether it was contributing through the school board, enjoying Scottish music (do I correctly recall him playing in a marching band?), ploughing the fields, managing employees, taking his family on an overseas trip, or caring for Aunt Lil in her later years, Uncle Jim symbolized getting involved, doing the best you can and appreciating all aspects of life . “Well done good and faithful servant “ Mathew 25: 23 - Posted by: Barry Esselmont (Nephew) on: Mar 23, 2023