JAMES DAVID CRUICKSHANK 1936-2015

When Bishop Jim was elected the Bishop of Cariboo in 1991, one of the first comments he made

in his nomination papers was his appreciation for the statement of leadership qualities people

expect of their new Bishop and he writes how deeply moved he was by the final statement

“willingness to love the people of Cariboo and to be loved by them in return.” Bishop Jim loved

the people of Cariboo and they returned that love to him.

It is with great sadness we received the news of his death on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in

his 80th year. Bishop Jim was proud of the fact that he was “Cariboo”. He came to faith and

was baptized at St Michael’s and all Angels Church in Prince George. On June 3, 1962 he was

ordained a Deacon at this same church and it was our delight to have him as a special guest on

the 100th Anniversary of the parish in 2012. Bishop Jim delighted us with many stories on that

occasion of his early life in Prince George and the Diocese of Cariboo. He shared of his

ordination to the priesthood on February 23, 1963 at St Peter’s Williams Lake. He reflected on

his time as Curate and Vicar of the Upper Fraser Mission (All Saints, McBride with Valemount)

from 1962 – 65 before leaving to take up his position as the first Director of Sorrento Centre.

Bishop Jim was born in Vancouver in 1936 and, with the exception of his university years has

lived in British Columbia all of his life. It is here that he has served the church with distinction

as the Director and Educator at Sorrento Centre and Vancouver School of Theology as a

professor of Pastoral Theology and later as Vice Principal. It was during this time that he was

installed as a Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral in Kamloops. Jim became Dean and Rector of Christ

Church Cathedral in Vancouver in 1983 and remained there until we elected him Bishop of

Cariboo in 1992.

Bishop Jim’s interest in the ministry of the laity resulting in the development of our program of

Lay Ministers of Word and Sacrament that continue to serve the church in the Central Interior.

His ministry and education of the laity has left a legacy that we rely on weekly as the laity give

leadership in worship, pastoral visiting and community life throughout the Central Interior.

Bishop Jim knew how critical it was for all of us to be engaged with our First Nations brothers

and sisters in ministry. He led us all with wisdom, care and compassion during the dark days of

the Residential School legacy. He recognized our need to support our Pastoral Elders and the

First Nations ministries amongst us and ensured that they would be heard by enshrining the

unique governance model that he developed to ensure we never lost these important voices

within the Central Interior. By his leadership during this difficult time, he leaves us and the

wider church with an example of how to can and need to walk together to healing and

reconciliation.

The Diocese of New Westminster’s tribute to Bishop Jim stated: Jim's wisdom, energy, and

theological vision influenced generations of Anglican clergy and lay leaders. He was an early

and passionate advocate of a church inclusive of women and men in leadership and also for the

affirmation of the gifts of the LGBT community. As Bishop of Cariboo he engaged with

indigenous communities, offering an apology for the abuses in the Residential School system and

seeking to promote indigenous leadership within the diocese. Jim engaged lay and clergy leaders

with a vision of an inclusive church committed to a world of peace through justice for all; and

inspired many young people to work towards making this world a reality.

Bishop Jim stated in his nomination papers, “I believe the most valuable resource in the Diocese

of Cariboo is its strong sense of family. A healthy family is able to do things together and love

each other, and yet at the same time forgive each other when mistakes are made.”

Bishop Jim, a member of our family will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him, served

with him, ordained by him, educated by him and most of all loved by him.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his son Jason (Pauline), daughter Anna, grandchildren

Meika, Chloe, Sam, Maggie and Jonah, brothers Gordon and Bill, sister Pat, and ex-wife and

dear friend Susanne.

A funeral service will be held in Vancouver and arrangement are pending. A celebration of

Bishop Jim’s life will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral at a later date. As details become available I

will let you know.

As we prepare to celebrate his ministry amongst us, I am inviting you to write me with your

stories/tributes/ remembrances/pictures of Bishop Jim.

I ask that we offer special prayers this Sunday in our parish churchs giving thanks for our friend

Bishop Jim and surround his loved ones with our support.

“He loved us and we loved him” Rest in peace thee good and faithful servant of God and friend

of all of God’s people.

Blessings,

+Barbara

Bishop Jim’s wearing the Cariboo cope on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Diocese

of Cariboo, October 19, 2014.

Photo taken by Randy Murray