James THOMSON

THOMSON, James - After facing the challenges of his illness for the past two years the family announces the passing of James Thomson Sr. at the Timmins and District Hospital on September 27th at the age of 84. He will be missed by his wife Pat, son Jim Jr. and daughter Tricia (Bruce Del Guidice), grandchildren Tiffany Del Guidice (Mark Figueroa), Jeffrey Del Guidice (Shannan Mair), Kelsey Thomson, Kayla Thomson, and great grandchildren Madison Figueroa and Thomas-Jeffrey Del Guidice. He is also survived by his brother Jack and many nieces and nephews in Scotland, England, South Africa and Spain. Jim was a native of Castle-Douglas Scotland and served with the British Royal Navy during WW11 on motor torpedo boats between the Shetland Islands and Norway. Jim immigrated to Timmins in 1952 with his family to work in the Hollinger Mine. He later established Northern Ontario Insurance and Real Estate and was involved with the development of the 101 Mall. Jim embraced his adopted country with energy and dedication giving himself freely to a wide variety of community organizations. Jim was involved with the original Ethnic Committee, the Northern Ontario Gaelic School of Arts, the Progressive Conservative Party, McKay Presbyterian Church, The Timmins Housing Authority, The Learning Centre, The Venture Centre and the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served as Treasurer of the Fund Raising Committee for the Sister Albina Gagnon Emergency Wing at St. Mary's General Hospital in 1978. He was chairperson of the Fund Raising Committee for the Chronic Care Wing at Porcupine General Hospital in 1980. Jim was a past president of the Rotary Club and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In recognition of his contribution to the community Jim was awarded the Queen's Canadian Silver Jubilee Medal. Following his retirement Jim returned to school earning a BA from Laurentian University in 1998 at the age of 73. Jim was an avid down hill skier and a strong supporter during the early days of the Kamiskotia Ski resort. Jim's seamanship skills were often called upon on many cold winter mornings to splice broken tow ropes. Jim took up long distance running in his 50's and ran marathons in Ottawa and Nanasivik. Jim's wishes were to extend a special thank you to Carol Mathew for faithfully visiting and providing him with care. He also wished to thank Bruce for his generosity and for providing him with his cigars. Thanks to everyone who sent cards, e-mails and or the phone calls offering support. Thank you to Dr. David Huggins for his care and concern. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim's memory can be made to Branch 287 of the Canadian Legion or the Timmins Police Pipe Band. On line condolences may be sent to stinsonfuneralhome@ntl.sympatico.ca A Memorial Gathering will take place on Friday October 2nd, 2009 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. with a Legion Service at 1:30 p.m. followed by a luncheon at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 287, South Porcupine. Arrangements entrusted to STINSON FUNERAL HOME, 100 Bruce Ave., South Porcupine, (705) 235-2900.