James Ryan Brydges

James Ryan Brydges, 43, born March 31st , 1978 in Oshawa, Ontario, passed away on April 9th, 2021 in Sechelt BC. He lived in Peterborough, Ontario much of his life and moved to the Sunshine Coast 4 years ago.

James lived an incredibly full life in his 43 years and embraced it with enthusiasm and humour. James is described by those who knew him as a great and patient debater and conversationalist. He laughed a lot and used his genius sense of humour to make others laugh. He demonstrated compassion to those in need and had an amazing sense of fairness. His charm, quick wit, and loving sparkle in his eyes touched everyone he met.

James was a great chess player, a poet, a chef, a musician, a performer, and the boisterous theatrical lead singer for the Gin N Tonixxx punk band. He was always curious and searching to learn more. He was a consumer of books, particularly Russian classics, and of music and films.

James attended school in Winnipeg Manitoba, Harare Zimbabwe, South Cramahe, and East Northumberland Secondary Schools in Ontario. He also lived in Toronto, Oshawa, Colborne, and Peterborough Ontario, Robert’s Creek, Gibsons and Sechelt BC. He graduated from a program in Resource Drilling and Blasting at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay Ontario.

James travelled all over North America as a roadie with the Moscow State Circus, worked in construction, at Gibsons Hardware lumber yard, as a chef at Karma’s Café on Hunter Street in Peterborough, and most recently for the Independent Grocer in Sechelt as their warehouse receiver.

James is survived by his brother Benjamin Ross Brydges (Mishelle), his loving father and friend, Bruce Carl Brydges (Erica), his sister-in-law Michelle Longhurst (Jordan), his grandmother Ena Lucille Brydges (Charles), his niece Micaela and nephew Jimi; uncle Eric Brydges (Janice), Aunt Barbara Sharp, and a host of cousins.

James was predeceased by his grandparents (Walter and Ann McRae, Charles Brydges), his best friend and younger brother (Jordan Bruce Brydges) and his loving mother (Kathleen Ann McRae).

He is gone too soon and will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to make his acquaintance and be called, his friend.

A celebration of life will be announced when it is safe for James’ friends and family to gather – hopefully in the summer of 2021.

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