James Brennan was born at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops on February 11, 1938 and passed away at Royal Inland Hospital on May 9, 2024. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Judy Brennan, and his loving children: Chuck (Karen), Sandy Brennan, and Patti Brennan Reid (Michael). Cherished by his grandchildren, Seanna Brennan (Brock), Sarah Brennan (Edan), Julia Houle (Allan), Katherine Reid, and Nicola Reid, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Araya Houle and Rowan Brennan. James is also survived by his sisters, Mary Weetman and Norah Williams (Gary), his brother-in-law Dewayne Phillippi, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Yvonne Brennan, siblings William and John Brennan, Yvonne Dickie, Helen Clark, and Anne Phillippe, along with brothers-in-law Phil Weetman, Garth Dickie, and Maurice Clark. He was also preceded by daughter-in-law Wendy Dale-Brennan and her son Matt Dale.
James's passion for sports shone brightly from his youth through his time at Kamloops Senior Secondary, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. On November 9, 1959, he married Judy in Kamloops, and together they built a beautiful family.
James dedicated his career to the trucking business in Kamloops and surrounding areas, including work on the original Trans Mountain Pipeline and ownership of logging and gravel trucks. Later, he became an owner/operator with Van-kam Freightways. His love for sports endured, with golfing, curling, and coaching softball filling his leisure time. He was a dedicated volunteer, contributing his expertise to numerous curling events, earning recognition as the BC Curling Association's 'Official of the Year' in 2006.
James continued to be active in sports, adding golfing and curling. Many trips with his family exploring many areas in western Canada and US. Every summer was spent boating at Shuswap Lake. James and Judy also had wonderful trips to Hawaii with friends. James shared his love for softball as a coach, helping a girls' team to reach the provincial championships.
Upon retiring, James and Judy enjoyed travelling in their motorhome, visiting family and exploring golf courses. James continued to pursue his passions, managing and playing slow pitch at Senior Games. James loved to garden. All one needed to do was walk by their garden and see the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. James loved sharing his flowers with neighbours and was always interested in who everyone was.
