DANIEL JAMES (JIM) FLOOD
Jim died peacefully at Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill, Ontario, on January 25, 2024, just short of his 77th birthday.
Jim was born in St. Vital (now Winnipeg), the eldest of five children of Charles and Evelyn Flood (nee Byles). The family moved to Hamilton in 1956, and later made their permanent home in nearby Ancaster. His adolescent years included pond hockey, high school sports and time as a caddy at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. The latter set the stage for Jim’s long-time excellence on the links. He also enjoyed 60-plus years of summer visits and family dinners at Boshkung Lake.
After completing his degree in Political Science from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier), Jim began his career as a leader in industry associations. Following his time as Executive Director at the Canadian Computer Industry Association, Jim found his “forever home” in real estate.
To our knowledge, Jim is the only person to have served in senior roles with regional, national and provincial real estate associations. His experience with the Toronto Real Estate Board, Real Estate Institute of Canada and Canadian Real Estate Association prepared him for a remarkable 28-year career with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). As Director of Government Relations, Jim was appreciated by successive CEOs, directors, committee members and colleagues for his strategic thinking, diplomacy and – especially when needed in a high-pressure situation – his ability to inject a timely bit of humour. He was also deeply respected at Queen’s Park, where his decades of advocacy balanced the interests of consumers and the industry.
Jim met his townhouse neighbour Jie Xue (Jessie) You in 2005 and they married two years later. Jim and Jessie enjoyed travel, especially winter escapes to the Caribbean. Jim also fondly remembered a trip to Shanghai and region to see Jessie’s birthplace and meet her overseas family. They also collaborated on multiple renovations to their Richmond Hill home.
Jim is survived by Jessie and a step-daughter Haili (Stanley). He was big brother to Kevan (Linda), Teresa (Grant), Jeff and Mary Lou. Uncle Jim to Janine, Lucas, Liam, Grady, Claire and Tom. Jim had cousins across Canada, especially in Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his parents, a niece Darcie, and his lifelong buddy Geoff McCullough (Sandy).
We will remember Jim’s easy laugh, certain catch phrases (kind of a routine) and a grin with more than a hint of mischief.
At Jim’s request, no service will be held. Condolences may be sent to the guestbook at www.etouch.ca.