Pat John, the actor who played Jesse Jim on the popular Canadian TV show The Beachcombers, died on July 13, 2022, at the age of 69. His death was confirmed by his friend and co-star Jackson Davies, who posted a tribute on Facebook. John was a member of the shíshálh Nation in Sechelt, B.C., where he was born and raised. He was one of the first Indigenous actors to portray a modern character on Canadian television, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.
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A Natural Talent for Acting
John started his acting career as a teenager, when he was cast as Jesse Jim on The Beachcombers, a CBC drama that ran for 19 seasons from 1972 to 1990. The show followed the adventures of Nick Adonidas (Bruno Gerussi), a Greek immigrant who worked as a log salvager, and his partner Jesse Jim, a quiet and dependable Indigenous youth. The show was filmed and set in Gibsons, B.C., and became one of the most successful and longest-running Canadian TV shows ever.
John had a natural talent for acting, and his portrayal of Jesse Jim was praised by critics and fans alike. He brought a sense of humour and authenticity to the role, and created a positive image of Indigenous people in a contemporary setting. He also developed a close friendship with Gerussi, who became his mentor and father figure. John once said in an interview, “I don’t think I would have ever thought of being an actor if Beachcombers hadn’t happened.”
A Trailblazer for Indigenous Representation
John’s role as Jesse Jim was not only a personal achievement, but also a cultural milestone. He was one of the first Indigenous actors to play a modern character on Canadian television, and he did so with dignity and respect. He avoided the clichés and stereotypes that often plagued Indigenous characters in the media, and instead showed a realistic and positive portrayal of his culture and identity.
John’s performance inspired many Indigenous viewers, who saw themselves represented on the screen for the first time. Shirley McLean, a TV producer from Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Yukon, said that John was a trailblazer for Indigenous actors and representation. “Seeing an Indigenous character on TV was something that we were proud of, something that normalized us in mainstream society,” she said.
John was also an advocate for Indigenous rights and issues, and used his platform to raise awareness and support for his community. He was involved in various initiatives and organizations, such as the Native Education Centre, the Native Brotherhood of B.C., and the Sechelt Indian Band Council. He also participated in the 1990 Oka Crisis, a land dispute between the Mohawk people and the Canadian government, where he joined the protesters and acted as a liaison with the media.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
John’s death was met with sadness and shock by his family, friends, and fans, who remembered him as a kind, funny, and generous person. Davies, who played an RCMP constable on The Beachcombers, said that John had a great laugh that he loved to hear. “He was funny, kind, and although he didn’t get the credit he should have, he was also a very good actor,” Davies wrote on Facebook. “He had the greatest laugh ever, and it was my goal in life to get him to laugh, just to hear it.”
John’s cause of death was not disclosed, but Davies said that he had been suffering from health problems in recent years. He died peacefully at a relative’s home in Sechelt, where he was born and raised. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
John’s legacy as an actor and an Indigenous leader will live on through his work and his influence. He will be remembered as a pioneer of Canadian television, a trailblazer of Indigenous representation, and a beloved friend and family member. He will be missed by many, but his spirit will remain in the hearts of those who knew him and admired him.
