TROY, James W. (Jamie) Troy

Passed away peacefully December 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Many thanks to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for their compassionate and thorough care.

Early on in life, Jamie and his family settled in Victoria and soon after became immersed in the Scottish arts. He started as a Highland Dancer, but his attention was quickly drawn to the sound of the bagpipes. The Great Highland Bagpipe and pipe bands would take hold as a passion and become much more than a hobby – it would become his life’s work.

He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1960 to study electronics and while stationed in Rockcliffe, joined the RCAF Rockcliffe Pipe Band. He returned to Victoria after a brief stint in Ontario and worked at Dockyard, Canadian Telephone Supplies and ultimately BC Telephone until his retirement.

Aside from working in advanced technologies for the telephone company, Jamie poured himself into continuously learning, teaching and passing on his passion and knowledge for the Great Highland Bagpipe.

In 1972, he formed the City of Victoria Pipe Band drawing in bagpipers and drummers from British Columbia, the Prairies and the Pacific Northwest. Pipe Major Jamie Troy and the City of Victoria soon established themselves as a world class pipe band. Their signature sound and musical presentations left a lasting impression domestically and overseas, playing a pivotal role in forging a path for the future of pipe bands.

Jamie’s appetite for learning led him to acquire McAllister Reedmakers from Scotland in 1998 where he and son, James P. continued the prolific bagpipe reed making business. This only solidified his knowledge and expertise, continuing to be a much sought after instructor and adjudicator his entire life. In 2000, Jamie played another important role as a founding member of the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band. He held the position of Pipe Major until 2021. His leadership was true and he exuded love for the music, any genre of ‘good’ music really.

He made an immense impact on the pipe band community – musically and with every person he encountered.  He definitely made a lasting impression.  He will be greatly missed by many across the globe.

He was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, extending beyond bagpipes to electronics, cars and even lawn care.  Jamie was full of curiosity and interests. Above all, Jamie had a big heart, always led with passion and loved his family deeply. A true mentor in every sense of the word.

Jamie is lovingly remembered by wife of 50 years Louise, son Jamie, daughter Jacquie, their families and extended family: Magees, Skaarups and Watling. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to BC Lung Foundation https://bclung.ca/donate/ .

A celebration of life will take place Spring 2026.

To read more loving tributes, visit https://www.pipesdrums.com/article/james-jamie-w-troy-1942-2025/ and https://bcpipers.org/bcpa-news/james-w-troy-loving-tribute-1942-2025/.