James Morley Connauton passed away unexpectedly in Kelowna, British Columbia, on August 28, 2026, at the age of 56.
Born in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on September 10, 1969, to Ruth Connauton (née Roque) and John Connauton, James was known to many as Jimmy or Jim. He grew up in Winlaw, British Columbia, and will be remembered as a funny, intelligent, kind, passionate, and irreverent son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Music was one of Jim’s great passions. His tastes stretched from punk and new wave to rap, operatic metal, hard rock, and especially the British gothic metal band Cradle of Filth. As a teenager, his style included a purple Mohawk, safety-pin-studded jeans, and an enthusiasm for explaining the music he loved.
Jim also enjoyed gardening, cooking, hockey, baseball, and caring for small animals. He trained in the culinary program at Selkirk College in Nelson and spent about 25 years cooking in resorts and restaurants across British Columbia and Alberta. Family members especially remember the meals he prepared for his mother and his homemade French fries.
In recent years, Jim lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta, before returning to Kelowna in early spring 2026. He volunteered as a cook at the Gospel Mission shelter in Kelowna and was appreciated for his service there. A former Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks fan, he later became an enthusiastic Toronto Blue Jays supporter and fulfilled a dream of attending a game in Toronto in 2024.
James was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and John Connauton; his brothers, Norman Fenn and John Connauton; his sister, Jane Fenn; and his nephew, Justin Golden. He will be remembered with love by his family and friends.
No formal service will be held. Family and friends will honour James in their own ways.
Source: Springfield Funeral Home
