James (Jim) Sanford was born in Quesnel on November 7, 1920 to early Bouchie Lake residents Walter and Winifred Sanford. He lived with his parents at their property on Bouchie Lake until he was two, then the family moved to the farm at “9 Mile”, on the Blackwater Road, where he grew up.
After attending Bouchie Lake school, he worked in the Quesnel and Wells area, then served in the Army from 1939 to 1945.
In 1945 Jim married Annice “Sue” in Viking, Alberta and returned to Quesnel where he worked as a mechanic for Johnston Bros. Motors.
He took over his parent’s farm in 1950, where he spent his life raising a family and expanding and developing the property until the ownership and operation was taken over by the next generation. Alan and Lorraine Sanford continue to operate the 9 Mile ranch today.
In 1985, Jim and Sue retired to their home overlooking the farm and enjoyed traveling, gardening and keeping active with friends and family.
Jim passed away in hospital on October 14, 2004.
He was predeceased by his father Walter in 1950 and mother Winifred in 1989. He is survived by his wife Annice “Sue”, sister Betty Jasper, sons Bill (Kathy) Sanford, Alan (Lorraine) Sanford, daughter Joan Sanford (Steve), grandchildren Kelly Sanford (Kim), Valerie (Cory) Torgerson, Robin, Reanne, Riley and Ross Sanford and great grandchildren Jodi Sanford, and Kirk and Derek Torgerson.