Home »
Deeds, not words
By Ian Cobb
Canada lost a national hero on September 23 and the Columbia Valley lost one of its most admired and beloved citizens, when James Robert Ashworth passed away peacefully at the age of 107 with loved ones by his side.
A dashing gentleman, Jim was the personification of a Canadian Second World War airman and officer – always a stoic figure in Remembrance Day services in Invermere, dressed in his RCAF blues bedecked with medals signifying the courage and sacrifice he so willingly made for his nation.
Jim flew the legendary Hurricane 11D fighter plane while serving in Royal Air Force 20 Squadron based in India beginning in 1941, taking part in raids and missions against the Japanese Imperial Army. His dedication to the fight and his nation echoes in his deeds, such as how he ended up in India in the first place. It was the result of him purposefully failing Royal Air Force flight instructor training – twice – to ensure he would be sent to the fight rather than teach.
Best-selling Columbia Valley novelist and Second World War blogger Elinor Florence penned this feature story about Jim, titled Boat busting in Burma, which provides you with an excellent overview of this exceptional Canadian and human being.
Jim Ashworth lived the motto of the RAF 20 Squadron – “Facta non verba,” which means “Deeds, not words.”
I was lucky to meet Jim in about 1991 – likely while photographing Remembrance Day services or a gathering at the Royal Canadian Legion in Invermere. Along with the late, great Leo Richer, we valley residents were blessed to be in the presence of greatness – the presence of people who helped forge the world forward from the precipice of a totalitarian hell-scape.
I consider it one of the honours of my life to have been able to know both these great men. Jim would want me to speak about Leo, rather than about him. That’s a gentleman and a great soul.
Jim was born in Cranbrook in 1919 and moved to the valley when he was three, where he lived his long life aside from his service in the RCAF, which continued after the war, including as Commanding Officer at RCAF Tofino Radar Station from 1953 to 1956, and then 425 Fighter Squadron in St. Hubert, Quebec from 1957 to 1959 before heading to Colorado Springs, Colorado until 1962.
He retired from service in 1966 and returned home to southeastern B.C. where he forged a happy life with his wife Gaetane, operating Hoodoo Resort at Fairmont Hot Springs where they raised their daughter Valerie.
Always a quiet leader, on his 101st birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jim once again put deeds before words by walking 101 blocks to raise $30,000 for the Columbia Valley Food Bank and inspired valley residents with a much-needed feel-good story.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Invermere Legion on Saturday, October 18 at 2 p.m., for all who knew and loved him. If you wish to honour his memory, please consider making a donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank – Jim Ashworth Fund.
Jim Ashworth – April 13, 1919 – September 23, 2025.
Keep the blue side up and fly on, Jim.
With deepest respect and condolences to the Ashworth family and friends.
