James (Jim) Gijbels passed away peacefully at Grace Manor on Thursday May 10, 2018 in Brampton, Ontario after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jim was a loving husband, father, Opa, uncle and friend, who was known for his love, generosity, and enthusiastic outlook on life. He leaves his loving wife Mieke, children Denise (Al) and Marcel (Robyn), and granddaughters Jessica, Julia, and Alexis. He will also be missed by his brother Fred and his nieces and nephews.

Jim was born on April 2, 1929 in Muntok, Indonesia to Hans and Cornelia Gijbels. After World War II, he worked briefly as a Ferryman and as a Colonel in the Dutch Army before working in the Australian Outback country for 3 years. Upon returning to the Netherlands, he met his future wife Mieke, who he proposed to after only 6 dates! Shortly thereafter, he and Mieke immigrated to Canada where he worked in Hospitality Services, most notably at the Tam O'Shanter Golf and Country Club and as the proud owner of JJ’s Café. In his retirement, he and Mieke enjoyed travelling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Jim will be remembered by all for his generosity, his love for food, and his zest for life, and would want us all to celebrate life.

Visitation will be held at the Meadowvale Funeral Centre, 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton on Monday, May 14, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held at the Meadowvale Funeral Centre Chapel on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 starting at 10:30am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Peel.

Please take a moment to share a favorite memory of picture of Jim in the online Guestbook.