Private James Favell

Private James “Jimmy” Favell was born on 22 February 1893 in Okanagan Mission, near present-day Kelowna, British Columbia. He was of Métis heritage and one of twelve children born to William and Marie Favell. His parents were originally from Stuart Lake in northern British Columbia but later settled in the Okanagan Valley, where they raised their family.

Favell grew up in a rural community of farmers and orchard workers. Before enlisting, he lived a modest life as a farmer. He was unmarried and had no children.

When the First World War broke out, several members of the Favell family volunteered for service. Two of his brothers, Charlie and Wilfred, joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1916. James followed the next year, enlisting at Vernon, British Columbia, on 23 March 1917. He first joined the 30th British Columbia Horse before being transferred to the 7th Battalion (1st British Columbia Regiment), part of the 1st Canadian Division.

The 7th Battalion was among the first Canadian units to see action in France and participated in some of the most significant battles of the war, including Ypres, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and Passchendaele.

Private Favell served on the Western Front during the final year of the war. On 2 September 1918, during the Allied offensives that would lead to the end of the conflict, he was killed in action in France. He was 25 years old.

His name is inscribed on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Pas-de-Calais, France, which commemorates the 11,285 Canadians who died in France with no known grave. He is also honoured locally on the Kelowna Cenotaph.

Private James Favell’s life and service illustrate the contributions of Métis soldiers from across Canada who volunteered despite limited recognition and systemic barriers. His story remains an important part of both the Okanagan’s and Canada’s shared history of service and sacrifice.

Discover similar stories behind the 11,285 names engraved on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial with Living Stories, our interactive app. Scan a name at the monument or search online to explore the personal histories of those who served and sacrificed.

Download the app: vimyfoundation.ca/livingmemorialvivant