It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of James Arthur Roy Southam on March 17, 2022 in Florida at the age of 33.

He will be lovingly remembered by his parents Ernie and Charlene Southam; siblings Cody (Savanna), niece Lowey; Stacie (Tyler); and Carie, as well as grandparents Marg and Lyle Hall; many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Sandra and Ewart Southam.

James was born in Virden, Manitoba in 1988. At the age of eight the family moved to the farm in Rivers, MB where James spent his high school years. James started his military career by joining the sea cadets, taking the time once a week to drive to Brandon with his sister. When he aged out of Cadets, he decided to join the Reserves and move to Brandon where he bought his first home. While with the Reserves, he did avalanche control in British Columbia. James spent most of his Reserve career in Shilo working with artillery.

At the end of 2009 and into 2010, James did an eight-month tour in Afghanistan. When James returned home, he took some time to stay with his parents in Falcon Lake. James then made a choice to move from the Reserves and join the Air Force, where he started his training to become an Aviation Technician in Borden, ON. Once he completed his training, he was posted to Cold Lake, Alberta. During that time, James was able to be a part of the Skyhawks for a season where he travelled across Canada and parts of the US.

In the fall of 2020, James moved to Victoria, BC to continue expanding his career. James was busy with his Military Career but was always able to find time for his family, friends and his passion for skydiving and adventures.

James was someone who looked at world as an adventure. He lived his life to the fullest by exploring every chance that he got. He sought out the local pubs wherever he went to enjoy an ice cold beer. He had the ability to walk into a room and make friends any time he went somewhere new. James love to spend his time traveling. He explored Thailand with his brother, Africa twice where he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as many trips to the States. In 2013, his obsession with skydiving was born when he took his very first solo jump. After that, he was hooked. Although his passion for skydiving and adventure was strong, he always found the time to travel out to Falcon Lake to visit his parents and siblings at his family cabin. You could always find James out cross-country skiing, hiking, paddle boarding or doing anything outdoors.

Donations in memory of James may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund, c/o The Royal Canadian Legion Headquarters, 86 Aird Place, Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1. Donate online