John Jules on Saturday October 16, 2010 at the age of 56. John showed us his strength and courage over the past few months as he underwent treatment for cancer. Now he is at rest. John will always be remembered for his hearty laughter, traditional drumming, powerful singing, generous spirit and artistic talent.
John is survived by his partner Brenda McGregor, his mother, Delores, his father, Clarence Sr., his brothers Manny (Linda) and Raymond (Anne), his sisters, Diena (Tim), Jeanette, Felicity and Freda; his adopted sisters Victoria Casimir and Nicole Neveu, his godfather Pete Dixon, his children Ellijah, Naomi, Torbin Alec, his grandchildren Zunika Cook, Shiloh, Ambera Saul, Alexis Alec and his great-grandson Kunu Cook. John was predeceased by his sisters Geraldine and Cindy, his brother David Shawn, his niece Jenny and his godmother Punky Casimir. John will be fondly remembered and missed by all of his nieces, nephews and grandchildren including Sarah, Sisiaskit, Red Willow, Lillawas, Aurora, Jessica, Colton, Clarence Se-eskt, Koleka, Malaina, Craig, Kayleb and Kennedy and his many cousins, godchildren, foster/adopted children and extended family.
John was born and lived all of his life on the Kamloops Reserve. Education was important to John and he earned an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University in Archeology and Linguistics and was working on a Masters Degree. A prominent community member and cultural leader, John worked as an Archaeologist, Cultural Resource Manager for the Kamloops Indian Band and more recently as Director of Operations for Stk'emlupsemc Te Secwepwemc Nation.
A traditional knowledge keeper, John was a Keeper of the Flame, a sundancer, eagle whistle carrier, coyote whistle carrier, sweatlodge keeper and eagle feather carrier. John presided over repatriation ceremonies for over 400 ancestors. Well-known on the pow wow circuit, John was a respected traditional dancer, one of the founders of the Kamloopa Pow Wow and one of the arena directors for many years. John was also a central figure in the Sage Hills Drum Group, Painted Eagle and Battle Bluff drum groups.
John was an accomplished artist, working on many culturally significant projects including heraldic emblems for the Kamloops Indian Band, the First Nations Tax Commission and Thompson Rivers University. He worked on the design for the Kamloopa Pow Wow arbour and roof pictographs. He wrote and narrated the words for the musical storytelling work "Stories from Coyote" with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his many accomplishments, John had a dynamic presence that made everyone around him feel loved and special. He encouraged and supported young people and was always willing to share his cultural knowledge with everyone in both a personal and professional capacity.
John enjoyed spending time with friends and family, listening to music and traveling. We will always remember John's loving heart and warm smile.
