August 30th, 1936 - October 30th, 2023
With sincere sorrow and tender love, the family shares the news of Jim’s death on October 30th, 2023 after a very brief illness. We can only imagine his peace and joy in meeting his dear Saviour and the host of saints welcoming him in heaven, including those who predeceased him: his dear parents Albert & Gwen (nee Weir) and cousins Eileen (& Len), Mary (& Stan), Elizabeth (& Homer), John, dear church friend Myrtle, his Weir cousins, and countless others touched by Jim’s life and faith.
Born August 30th, 1936 in Calgary – of Irish Immigrants – Jim liked to think of himself as an Irish Cowboy. Their only child, he grew up sharing life closely with cousins in Calgary. They were blessed by their life together raised at “Little Knox” Presbyterian church, the many shared family meals and celebrations, and the treasured holidays of fishing at Jumping Pound in the Alberta foothills.
Jim excelled with a BSc. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta (Edmonton) and when, as one of only two classmates to be offered a job after scoring proficiently in the infamous IBM Programmer Aptitude test, he accepted a position at IBM and made the big move from Alberta to Toronto. Thus began his stellar career: with IBM as a Systems Engineer; in National Information Systems at The T. Eaton Co.; as Vice President of Distribution for Dylex Limited (this helps explain his dapper style, always dressed to the nines!); and VP of Information Systems and Development for W.H. Smith where he managed the installation of POS data collection, are a few highlights. He worked primarily in the Retail/Wholesale industry applying computer-based solutions to customer’s data processing applications. Well-respected by his peers and those who worked for him, Jim made a real contribution through his work life.
A devoted son, clever, generous, fun and faithful, always quick with a joke or quip, Jim thoroughly enjoyed people and hearing their stories. “So, what’s new?” he would ask and genuinely listen and then remember what you told him. Such enjoyment of little ones, he was a favourite uncle for sure, always trying to ‘grab a nose’, tell a joke, and providing Laura Secord Chocolates at every event. He was the ‘cool’ uncle with his sunglasses, sportscars and had a ‘unique’ attraction to wear anything as a hat! He loved to tease and was such good fun. He loved puzzles and riddles and things to solve. He had many travels, shared his fantastic collection of slides, and always had the latest camera or gadget! He was an avid fisherman – learning early to fish with his dad and his Uncle Jim for trout in the Rocky Mountain streams, and then later for Ontario lake fish at his cottage and on many fishing trips with Norman.
Jim was a faithful follower of his Lord Jesus Christ, and he lived out that faith in deeds as a servant in the church. Sharing his wisdom and decision-making he offered leadership in St. Andrew’s Islington Presbyterian church in the Session, Trustees, Bible studies (particularly the Alpha program), Mission, and Finances. He represented his congregation at the local presbytery as a representative elder, attending a number of General Assemblies and was appointed to the Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church in Canada even serving as its convenor (quite the journey from his church beginnings of his mom’s Sunday school class, and Boy-Scouts in “Little” Knox PC in Calgary!!!) Jim was a strong support to ministers, staff and interim moderators. He was always willing to help and volunteer wherever and whenever needed. Jim’s family – his life - was his church.
Jim is deeply missed by cousins (who were more like siblings and nieces/nephews to him). Particularly dear to first cousins Maureen (Tom - North Carolina) Lyla (Calgary). Dear also to his Ontario cousins’ (nieces) Ruth, Carolyn, Maureen (daughters of Elizabeth who had also moved from Alberta to Ontario and so Elizabeth and Jim were each other’s family here) – as well to her second husband Gordon and her blended family children Dwayne, Shawn, Janine, Bruce, Sarah, Tanya, Kristin & Ian and their families. We all grew up with “Uncle Jim” as part of every occasion. Also dear to cousins Graham and Brent and their families, (Eileen’s sons who began their lives in Ontario) and Lyla and Maureen’s children: Andrew, Lynne, Glen, Mark, Laurel, Darren & Cameron and their families. He was so present for the family, attended and travelled to every single wedding and event – with his camera! Having a particularly special connection with Ruth through their shared humour and intellect, Jim “The Uncle” (as he signed his cards) especially appreciated Ruth’s love and care for him in recent years.
Jim also is deeply missed by his church friends at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church Islington, in particular by lifelong friend Norman (& the late Myrtle) and their children Janet and John who welcomed Jim into their family when he moved to Toronto and met them at Knox Presbyterian Church (Spadina), brought together by their shared Irish heritage.
The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the church family at St. Andrew’s Islington for all their care and love of Jim through the years. Also, our thanks for the tremendous loving care received by staff at Shepherd Lodge. You are a such blessing in the work you do and the care you offer in long-term residences.
Ultimately, the greatest joy of Jim’s life was to serve his Saviour and earnestly help to bring people to know the Lord. Apt for a fisherman was Jesus’ calling to the disciples saying: “Follow me and I will teach you to fish for people” And Jim did! Well done, good and faithful servant. You will be missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Jim’s church – St. Andrew’s Islington, 3819 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1K7. Reception at the church to follow the service.
If you wish to offer a gift in memory of Jim, please give to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Islington, Lung Health Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or a charity of your choice.
Click Here to Diabetes Canada
Click Here to Lung Health
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Islington
Arrangements entrusted to Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home