Passed away peacefully on Saturday May 30th, 2020 in his 92nd year. Jim was the beloved husband of the late Noreen for 64 years. Cherished father of Dennis (Marina) and Dean (Millie). Proud Poppa and Grandpa of Lindsay (Joe), Bryan (Laura), Cameron and Thomas and Great Grandpa to Vincent, Adrian, Anthony, Wade and Frank. Predeceased by his siblings, John, Bruce and Margo.

Born and raised in the Dufferin and St. Clair area of Toronto, Jim attended Oakwood Collegiate. He started working at Kahn Optical in 1946, earning $15.00 for a 6-day work week. He stayed with Kahn Optical, learning the optical business from the ground up. In 1962, Jim received his Ophthalmic Dispensers Certificate. He continued working at Kahn Optical until 1971, when a friend working for the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, offered him a position with the University. Jim commuted back and forth from Toronto to Waterloo for a year to ensure this was the right decision before uprooting his family. The decision was made and they sold the house in Toronto, opting to build a house in Lakeshore Village, Waterloo. Jim and Noreen enjoyed a wonderful life in Waterloo/Kitchener for more than 40 years.

In the early years, Jim and Noreen loved playing cards with friends, especially Tom and Daph. On Thursday evenings, after a fun evening with the Friendly Neighbours Bowling League, there was always a cheese and onion casserole at the Moir residence (30 Lippincott Street West.) Friday evenings and weekends were always filled with social events and get-togethers. Noreen and Jim were fantastic dancers in most genres, especially line dancing and the jive. They were a marvel and a pleasure to watch, In fact, the epitaph on their grave marker reads “Always Dancing.” Jim and Noreen also loved all genres of music. The radio was always on - and cranked! Jim and Noreen were proud and loving owners of several generations of Minatare Schnauzers: Buffy, Abby, Katie were among their treasured pets over the years. Jim was a Master Mason and part of the Scottish Rite. He was very active in volunteer activities, especially the Shriners, where he played in the Oriental Band. Jim was passionate about teaching optical dispensing and took extraordinary delight in all of his students. He was an avid and accomplished golfer and loved walking the greens (he rarely missed the fairway!) Jim was the most devoted caregiver to Noreen who suffered from Alzheimer’s. After Noreen’s death, Jim was supported by his friends Gary, “Kelly” & Bob during their weekly coffee get-togethers. Jim leaves his friends and family a lifetime of incredible memories and for that they are exceptionally grateful.

With gathering restrictions in place, a private service was held on June 1st and Jim's cremated remains will be interred at York Cemetery, North York later this month. A celebration of Jim's life will take place when larger gatherings are permitted. For those who wish to make a donation in Jim's memory, please see the donation tab for a link to the Alzheimer's Society.