Oct 10, 2023

JAMES RUSSELL (Jim) FLOOD
May 2, 1943 – September 26, 2023

After a valiant four-year battle with throat and stomach cancer, Jim passed away peacefully the afternoon of September 26, surrounded by his family.

Jim is missed by his wife of almost 32 years, Sharon, his son Kelly (Sherri) of Toronto, his daughter Kerri (Michael) of Toronto, niece Lee (Ian) of Winnipeg, nephew Neil (Caroline) of Minnesota and sister Mona (Jacques) of Moose Jaw. Also missing him greatly are his two pups, Gale and Breeze. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Marnie Flood and brother Ted.

Jim was born in Prince Alberta, Saskatchewan and was a lifelong Roughriders fan. He graduated from St. Paul’s high school in Winnipeg and continued studies in economics and mathematics at U of M all the while working on the Canadian Ski Patrol in the Rockies, playing football and basketball. Summers were spent as a fishing and hunting guide at Great Bear Lake and others.

He began his career in management at The Bay. It was after sailing with this brother Ted, that Jim found his true calling. He founded Bowline Yachts Ltd in 1979, where he found great happiness in introducing people to sailing and finding the boat of their dreams. He continued to run Bowline right up to his passing.

Jim was one of the founding Directors of the Mid-Canada Marine Dealers Association in 1986 and a member of the Hall of Fame for the MMPDA. He sat on the Board of Directors for 27 years. During this time, he chaired various committees including the Boat Show, Finance and Governance. Jim produced and managed a very successful Mid-Canada Boat Show for 20 years, stepping down in 2013. He loved the challenge of trade show co-ordination and expanded to include the RV Show and various other shows at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

He was the recipient of the Sail Manitoba Honorary Member Award in 2021, in recognition of his volunteerism in the promotion of the sport of Sailing.

He loved Northern Harbour and sailing on Lake of the Woods, and especially loved racing in the LOWISA regatta, which he was Commodore for in 1997 (LOWISA 32).

There are so many health professionals to thank. The nursing staff in SICU at Health Sciences Centre were phenomenal. Jim was so grateful for their care. The physicians that guided him through his cancer battle include Dr. Marni Wiseman, Dr. Paul Kerr, Dr. J. Butler, Dr. Lipschitz, Dr. Vallerie Gordon, Dr. E. Beshara, and Dr. Edward Buchel. Their care and skills were outstanding.

Memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Riverview Health Centre, plant a tree in honour of his memory or give the gift of life with a blood donation.

Respecting Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.