I always regretted how we drifted apart but I guess it was inevitable. Jim was my longtime neighbour in the chemistry building. When I had questions, chemistry or otherwise, his was the place to start. Outside of the building, Judy and I greatly enjoyed his company and, of course, Diane’s. I shed a tear and more!
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Jim was a super brother-in-law
I remember limericks and songs at the cottage, great meals in London and I was accepted by him to the outlaw gang.
Diane and family,
I am sorry to hear the passing of Jim, although I am sure it has created mixed emotions for you because of the toll Parkinson's was taking on him over the last years.
I first encountered Jim during my undergraduate days as my Professor in 1983-4 when he taught me Industrial chemistry and later Chem 453 Physical Organic Chemistry. He struck me as brilliant then, but this was reinforced when I joined Western as an Assistant Professor in 1995. Heck- when he had to retire at 65 in 1999 and they said he had 40 years of service meant that he started at 25 after his PhD and two post-docs! He was a wonderful colleague. I especially appreciated that he understood the need and helped evolve long standing traditions in the department to allow us new hires to have more time for family and supporting our working partners. I admired his intellect and appreciation for things outside of chemistry like music, theatre, food and wine. I remember cleaning out old files of his and finding tidbits of things beyond chemistry like wine orders that included his colleagues De Mayo, Wharnoff and others. The picture you posted of Jim telling a story with a glass of wine in his hands is appropriate and the way I will remember him
Diane, you were a joy to know and talk to and thanks for welcoming me into your home for dinners in my early years. May the memories of your shared passions with Jim and your family energize you for continued adventures.
With sympathy,
Mark
My condolences to the King's family. . I remember Jim vividly as a graduate student then a junior colleague @ Western. Jim was a respected colleague and a wonderful man
Dear Diane and family
I was so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He will be missed for sure. We had many good conversations and lots of laughs. We’d talk about everything.
The best part was back in the good old days, he’d leave me a beaker full of pencils to sharpen when I was delivering his mail. Lol. Don’t think that happens anymore. I have thought of him and the rest of the organics I worked with often. They were a good group of Professors for sure. We had fun
With my deepest sympathies Diane.
Cheryl🤗🤗❤️
