It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Leslie Young. Jim passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 94 years of age while in the care of medical staff at Michael Garron Hospital. Jim was comforted by members of his family at the time of his passing.

Jim was born and raised in Toronto. He enjoyed active life as a young man being raised by his parents Margaret and James Young alongside his late sister Helen. Jim attended Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute where he was a member of the school’s Varsity Football Team. Jim was also an avid hockey and baseball player in his youth and was the both a player and a coach for his hockey team in the Toronto Hockey League, Juvenile division.

Jim met his wife and life partner Ann at the Wychwood Presbyterian Church Youth Group. They would marry in 1957, move to their new house in Victoria Village and raise a family of 3 children. Jim continued his commitment to hockey and baseball coaching his sons Gary and James in both sports. Jim was also the Chairman of the inaugural Victoria Village Civitan Hockey League when the new Victoria Village Arena first opened.

Jim joins his recently deceased wife Ann who passed away August 2023 and late sister who passed away October 2023.. He leaves behind his children Gary, James and Dianne along with his daughter in-law, Tina and late son-in-law, Ian. He will be fondly remembered by extended family, Audrey and Amber. Jim loved his grandchildren James, Lauren, Jonathan, Jamie, Samantha and great grandson Brody. With the upcoming wedding of his grandson, James, Jim was very much looking forward to welcoming Sarah as a member of the family.

Jim was a loving and dedicated husband and father who was devoted to his family. He was known for his warm smile and gentle sense of humour. He was generous of spirit and was always ready to lend a hand to friends or neighbour. Jim was a dedicated employee of Building Products of Canada for over 35 years until his retirement in 1995.

Jim and Ann enjoyed many common interests throughout their 63 years of marriage. They enjoyed travel and especially their many excursions to Florida which was a tradition that began on their honeymoon. Jim and Ann were avid sports fans including being part of the long suffering cohort that makes up Leafs Nation. In his latter years, his favourite activity was attending his grandson James’s hockey games which he never missed, come rain, sleet or snow. He particularly enjoyed the holidays and enjoyed anything that involved family and especially being around his grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre on Thursday, May 30 at 12:00 noon followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. A private interment will follow. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Donations can be made to The Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation.