Jim passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Finnish Rest Home at the age of 85 with his loving wife Marion at his side. Born in Searchmont, Ontario on November 6, 1926. Beloved husband of Marion (Filion) of 16 years and predeceased by his first wife Elva (nee Robinson who died in 1996) of Portlock for nearly 49 years. Loving and proud father of Charlene (Mario Agliani), Deborah (Scott Follis), Chris (Jo Anne), Gregory (Tamara), Philip, Laura (Anthony Gentile), Marnie and the late William. Loving grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Stepfather to Brenda (Doug Oliver), Michael (Ellen), Francis (Brian Marks), John (Penny) and Andrew (Nina). Grand stepfather to 12 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren. Son of the late Charles and Mary (nee Meers). Dear brother of Alice Hyrsky (late John) and the late; Arleigh (late Gil Unkefer), David (late Dorothy), Flight/Lt Burnham (WWII), Margaret (Epple) and Skip (Gloria). Jim was a man of integrity with a quiet sense of dedication. He lived a life of service; first to country with pride during three years as an infanteer in WWII (1942 to 45). His pride of service to others was woven through his personal life and into the Legion. As a lifetime member (with 46 years) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, he was respected for the gentle way he cared for the bereaved in their times of need. He loved the Legion and his many special friends. Jim was a man of few words. He worked in the background simply doing what needed to be done; earning him the friendship and respect of his colleagues. He was an honest man who enjoyed simple pleasures; reading, raspberry picking, good conversations. Well into his 60s he loved the quiet of “the bush” as an avid hunter and fisherman with the “trap line” skills of his youth. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 11:30 am until time of memorial service in the chapel at 1 pm. Friends are then invited to celebrate Jim’s life at the Royal Canadian Legion (96 Great Northern Road). Jim’s ashes will be interred at the grave of his first wife, Elva at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Legion’s Poppy Campaign Lest We Forget, Alzheimer’s Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them