"Jim", "JimJim", “Jimmy”, "Hime", or "Nordic Man” – No matter what you called him, he was deeply loved and appreciated as a husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Jim died suddenly from cardiac complications at Mt. Shasta Hospital January 20, 2020 with his wonderful wife, Susan Aldous Strachan, at his side.  

Born March 14, 1955, Jim will always be remembered as the kind, open hearted, strong, loud, and incredibly good-natured gentle giant that he was.  With his booming voice ringing out through the woods, clad in Hawaiian shirt and shorts (any time of year), he embraced life fully. He loved to drive with the windows down no matter the weather. He brought great energy to any gathering of family and friends. 

Jim was born in San Francisco to Jim Strachan and Mary Louise (Forde) Strachan, the youngest of five children.  He was the beloved baby brother of the fun, crazy, and raucous Strachan household.

Jim graduated from San Carlos High in 1973. He began his working life as a driver for Greyline Tours in San Francisco.  Just imagine how tourists from all over the world loved learning about San Francisco from Jim’s perspective! In 1984, he joined the Aldous Landscaping Company, and later married the owner, Susan Aldous.  Together they continued in the landscaping business for 36 years, their base moving to Mt. Shasta in 1991. For many winter seasons Jim loved being a groomer at Mt. Shasta Ski Park and Nordic Center. 

Raised on and surviving many family adventures, Jim loved the outdoors.  Throughout his life he skied, hunted, hiked, camped, fished, rode and raced motorcycles, scuba-dived, swam, and golfed.  He was an accomplished chef in the kitchen as well as with the grill and smoker. A gifted handyman and welder, Jim could fix anything.  Well-known in the little community of Mt. Shasta, Jim will leave a large void.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; brothers Don Strachan (Jean), Gary Strachan (Terry), Robert Strachan (Helen Weld); sister Di Strachan (Bob Hammond); Susan’s brother Charles Aldous (Alice); sister Karen Aldous, and many nieces and nephews who adored him. 

Thinking you want to do something to honour Jim? Sue said it best — “do something kind for someone else.” 

We will gather from all over the world to celebrate Jim’s life together on Sunday, May 24 (Memorial Day weekend).  And remember, Jim loved to party!

Please visit the “Celebration Of Jim” page to see details as we have them and Add A Memory Of Jim.

If you have a special photo of Jim, please send it to Di - di.positivefutures@gmail.com