Regimental Number: M31388
Rank: Private
William James, born on June 26, 1917 in Glamorganshire, Wales, was the 3rd oldest of John and Mary Elizabeth (nee Jones) Stark’s family of eight children. He had three brothers; John, Thomas and Doug and four sisters; Elizabeth, Mary, Isabel and Ann. The family immigrated to Canada, sailed aboard the SS Doric and arrived at Montreal on April 16, 1922. Once they arrived in Grande Prairie, John applied for land in the Bezanson area by means of a loan through the Solders’ Settlement Board. Jim and his siblings attended the Somme School and Bezanson School. Jim left school after completing Grade 8 and worked on his father’s farm from 1932 to 1939. He then found employment on H. Morrison’s farm.
Jim enlisted with the Edmonton Fusiliers, CASF on October 3, 1940 in Grande Prairie. He was transferred to Edmonton, Sidney BC, Woodstock Ontario, Pat. Bay in BC and Calgary were he completed courses to become a Qualified Driver Class III Wheeled, Driver Class II Track, Motorcycle Class III and a Driver Mechanic Group “C”. He was also a Carrier Instructor QII. Jim embarked for England in March 1943. Private William James Stark served in Canada, United Kingdom and the Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe. He received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45. Jim was discharged on December 6, 1945 in Calgary.
Jim returned home to Bezanson and once again assisted his father in the management of the farm. He subsequently purchased a ½ section of land by means of a loan through the VLA and began his own farming operation. Jim was in a serious car accident and while in hospital met a nurse, Iona Hoult whom he subsequently married on March 14, 1958. He purchased a house and moved it to his farm and the young couple quickly settled in. In the early 1960’s, Jim and Iona moved to Grande Prairie where Jim found employment with North Canadian Forest Industries where he worked for many years.
Jim and Iona did not have any children; however, they were very close to all of Jim’s nieces and nephews.
Jim passed away in 1991 and was buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery near Bezanson. Iona had passed away in 1983 and was also buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Service File
Smoky River to Grande Prairie