In Celebration of

Jim Edward Wilkes

March 12, 1951 -  November 22, 2022

James (Jim) Edward Wilkes (1951-2022) passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on November 22, 2022 at Trillium Health Partners - Mississauga Hospital. He was 71. Born March 12th in Windsor, Ontario, Jim was predeceased by his parents, Walter John Wilkes and Patricia Ruth (McEachren) Wilkes, and his brother John Douglas Wilkes. Jim will be sadly missed by his son James (Kelly), his sister Barb (Gary) Thiel, and his nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered fondly by his many dear friends, neighbours, and colleagues.

Jim had a lifelong passion for photojournalism. First hired at the Oshawa Times, he later covered the news as a staff reporter/photographer for the Toronto Star from 1975 to 2012. In that time, he won at least 75 awards for his newspaper writing and photography. Jim also served as chair of the photojournalism advisory board at Loyalist College for more than 20 years.

We extend our appreciation to the caregivers during the last few years who made Jim’s life as comfortable as possible.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Turner & Porter (2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga) on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 between 2 and 4 p.m. Salutations at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Photographers Without Borders, Diabetes Canada, or The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.

Guestbook 

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Chartwell Robert Speck (Chartwell Retirement residence)

Entered November 28, 2022 from Robert speck , Mississauga Ontario

Our deeply condolences to his son and family .
We are very sorry for the departure of our resident Jim Wilkes , we will always carry him in our hearts with the memory of such an extraordinary gentleman.
Thank you for being part of our great Chartwell family.

Staff & Management

Jack Fisher (Friend)

Entered November 28, 2022 from Kingsville, Ontario

I was a paperboy on Randolph Ave. (as well as the 4 courts) in the early 1960's. I met Jim and his brother John while delivering papers to their residence. They were also Massey students like me. I got to know more about John through my neighbour and John's good friend Rick Williams. It was through chatting with Rick today that I heard that Jim had passed away recently, only a couple of weeks after John's passing. I lived in the GTA for many years and often saw Jim's work in The Toronto Star. I did meet him at the most recent Vincent Massey reunion and more recently was a "friend" on Facebook. To Barbara, I offer my condolences on the loss of your two brothers. Also, my condolences to Jim's son. Jim and John lived good, interesting lives but such a shame to see them gone too soon.

Debbie McNeice (friend)

Entered December 9, 2022 from Markham

I met Jim through family . Jim was a very talented person and a very nice person.
He was a loving father and had many friends.
He will be missed by many.
So sad to hear he passed
Debbie McNeice

Louise Allen (Friend)

Entered December 9, 2022 from Stratford

I feel blessed to have shared almost 35 years of memories and adventures with Jim. He was one-of-a-kind and always there if you needed someone. He was the most thoughtful, dependable, helpful man I have ever known ... a great friend. I am so sorry I can't attend the Celebration of Life on Saturday. Jim ... I miss you and raise a yellowbird cocktail to you!

Justine Chan (Nurse)

Entered December 9, 2022 from Mississauga

To the family of Jim. I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Jim for a few years. I work as a nurse at CVH, and I was always very fond of Jim. He was a wonderful man, and I always enjoyed all my conversations with him. He was a thoughtful man, always inquiring about my toddler and family. Whenever we saw each other, even if he was not my patient that day, we would both take the time to catch up and say hi. I was very saddened, and am still sad, about his passing. I can only imagine how you must feel as his family and close friends. My thoughts are with your family. I am grateful that I got the chance to meet such a wonderful gentleman in my lifetime. May you and your family find peace and comfort with time, and find solace in your fond memories of Jim.

Photos 

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