DUNCAN, JAMES ALAN
Jim Duncan (Big Jim) passed away peacefully in Vancouver on January
7, 2008 at age 63. Jim was an intellectual, friend, mentor, confi dante,
entrepreneur, adventurer, raconteur, and a free man.
People were drawn to Jim because of his open ear, his wonderful story-
telling, and his deep, hearty laugh. He befriended animals and people
and was a true champion of the underdog. Jim possessed a great hunger
for knowledge; he owned thousands of books on topics ranging from
history and politics to cooking, and he read them all. He delved into
magic tricks, science and philosophy. Conversation and debate were
daily essentials.
Jim loved life and lived it on his terms. He opened the Aspidistra Res-
taurant in 1969 – spearheading the initial redevelopment of Gastown,
he sailed around the world, he became a respected tradesman and
builder in the Lower Mainland, and he worked many summers in Rivers
Inlet constructing and maintaining the Big Spring Fishing Camp.
Jim’s nieces and nephews lit up when Uncle Jim was around, and he
delighted in planning unique treats and gifts for their annual Christmas
visits.
Jim is survived by his son Douglas, his wife Laura, mother Maida and
father Morris, all of Vancouver, his brothers John (Mary) of Campbell
River and Ian (Dianne) of St. Louis, his nieces and nephews Adrienne
Edison (Mike), Ian, Natalie, John, Maida, Carolyn, Eleanor, and Eileen,
and by numerous cousins. He was great uncle to Samuel
Beckett James Edison.
Big Jim is sorely missed by everyone who knew him.