CORMACK, James Strathearn
June 8, 1940 - January 25, 2021
James Strathearn Cormack-Cohen, (Cormack after 1967) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland to parents George Cormack-Cohen and Janet Jessie Elizabeth Wallace. James was schooled at boys' boarding schools with his primary years in Scotland at Ardvreck, followed by his senior years at Stowe in England. He was a bright well-rounded student known for his athleticism, musical inclination, an ear for languages, and brilliance in mathematics. He was also known for his ferocious appetite and fondly nicknamed Guzzling Jimmy. Upon completing school, James embarked on what would become an incredible and robust career in insurance that took him to India, England and then various cities in eastern Canada before his final stop in BC in 1978. James had deep global knowledge of the insurance business and is still considered a legend in the industry despite retiring in 1997 from the position of Chief Underwriter at ICBC. In his retirement years James travelled extensively to countries all over the world. He spent many hours connecting with long-time friends and colleagues, and time outdoors golfing, cycling, and hiking, where he mastered the Grouse Grind. Always a ferocious reader, he continued to pour through all sorts of reading material, as learning for him was a way of life, and one of the best ways to satisfy his endless curiosity. He discovered MAC computers through his second daughter, and long before the general population. His love for all things Apple expanded as the brand and its product line grew to the forefront of the tech world, and he advocated sternly that everyone should use Apple products. James LOVED chocolate and was known for his stashes squirrelled away at home, the office, and in the car. Chocolate for was considered a food category unto itself, and could be eaten at any time, anywhere. James lived life to the fullest and enjoyed discussing his adventures over meals at fine dining establishments. He loved food and drink. In his 64th year, he was diagnosed with melanoma, which he overcame, before further health issues came to light in 2015. In the years that followed, James suffered from the slow decline in kidney function. A practical individual, he made the decision to let life tick away without the intervention of dialysis, and lived a more quiet reserved life in his final year until passing away from renal failure. James' favourite annual holiday was Robbie Burns Day, which he proudly celebrated every year on January 25th. It only seems fitting that it was on this day this year that he slipped away from us with family at his side. An enormous and heartfelt thank you to the efforts and dedication of incredible healthcare professionals, care aids and community support workers that made the last year of James' life comfortable and dignified, and for their endless support to family members which allowed us quality time with him in the last leg of his life's journey. James leaves behind his four children, 6 grandchildren, 2 daughter in-laws, sister and brother in-law, nephews, and former wives.