Condolences
I first met Jim in 1964 when we both worked as yo-yos (elevator operators) at the Manoir Richelieu in Murray Bay, Quebec. I also got to know Wally Markham (who has provided his fond memories of Jimmy) at the same time along with some of Jim's other cronies from LCC (like Gord Viberg). I read with interest Wally's memories - he captured the essence of Jim. Fearless, loyal and a great friend. I had dinner with Jim and Ruth a few years ago while I was on a business trip in Calgary and, I have to say, he was the same old Jim that I remembered from our days at the Manoir. I was astonished to see that Jim's Mother is still alive in Montreal. My deepest condolences to Ruth and to their family.
Gord Thompson
Jim and I worked together for a few years as teachers in Montreal. He was a great guy to work with, always ready to lend a hand tell a joke, or laugh at my clunkers. He loved the kids he taught, and always showed them he cared and wanted to help them. I only worked with him a couple of years, but the memories are forever. Rest in Peace Jim.
Felix Gelbart
Jim and I met in Grade 6 and that was the beginning of a close life-long friendship. I have had the good fortune of knowing Jim for 64 years. Jim had many interests and particularly sports. He always skied faster than I did, drove faster than I did and was always ready to take on more risky adventures like hang gliding, rock climbing and shooting rapids in a kayak.
He was always interested in fitness and strength. In high school, he followed Charles Atlas and Joe Wieder. He loved football and was a member of the LCC Lions city champions football team. He was an ardent fan of the Alouettes and it didn't hurt that his father, also Jim, was a season ticket holder. He remained a CFL fan throughout his life.
Jim started skiing as a teenager when his parents rented chalets at Mont Rolland and the Chantecler. Jim always wanted to take the most difficult runs. I can still visualize the large mogul run he took at Mont Gabriel when he broke a pair of skiis. His enthusiasm for skiing continued after university when he spent two winters as a liftie at Sunshine near Banff. Later in life I was fortunate to have visited Jim annually for over ten years to ski at Sunshine, Lake Louise and at his condo at Panorama. And for several years, Jim reconnected with a group of six highschool class mates to go on ski trips.
Jim was very competitive and approached his many interests with determination. He would push himself to the limit which would often scare his family and friends. Jim's dry sense of humour was out there too. He could say things that no one else could or would. It was never spiteful and often self-deprecating. He would send me birthday cards that were funny, to the point and would always make me smile. This is one of the many things I will miss.
Jim had a strong sense of right and wrong and he would never back down if he felt someone was taking advantage of him. But most of all, Jim loved and cared for his family and friends. I was one of those lucky ones.
The many wonderful memories I have of Jim will remain with me and be a part of me for the rest of my life.
It was with great sadness we where made aware of Jim's passing. We are left with many fond memories of our time spent with both Jim and Ruth. We have skied together (Jim leading down black diamond runs hoping I survived), kayaked on the Highwood and Elbow Rivers, worked as teachers together and hiked many trials with both Jim and Ruth. Camping was another memorable experience where I found out that mixing stew and kraft dinner did not make for a satisfying meal! Jim's experience building a kayak with me showed many sides of his character as did his kayaking down some very challenging waters. In our younger years Jim and I ran together and some of the runs turned quite competitive. We always ended with a good drink and a laugh. We have known Jim and Ruth for over 40 years and have cherished the time we have spent together. Thanks for memories.
Chris and Sue MacDonald
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