Jim was devoted to his wife, Joan, a loving father of Matthew (Kristen) and Susan (Richard). Adoring grandfather of Noah, Alex and Meaghan Rayner and Charlie and Molly Cosburn.

He started his teaching career with the Toronto Board of Education at Western Technical-Commercial School. He later transferred to Harbord Collegiate Institute where he eventually became Head of the Modern and Classical Languages Department. He loved his job of teaching the beauty and precision of the French language. In order to stay aware of what learning a new language meant to his students, he pursued studies in German and Italian, even taking one year of Mandarin lessons – all this after studying Russian for two years at the University of Toronto, where he first met Joan. In order to become a more effective department head, he obtained his MEd in Curriculum from OISE.

He was very active in extra-curricular activities at Harbord, serving as Weight Training Coach, Cross-Country coach, Yearbook advisor, and coach of the School Reach trivia team which one year won the Toronto Championship.

Jim was also deeply involved in the life of All Saints’ Kingsway Anglican Church, an avid gardener both at church and at home, a member of the Kingsway Islington Probus Club, and Mensa Canada. He tried to keep fit with routine visits to Memorial Health Club, jogging, and cycling. In retirement, he took up water colour painting which he found very satisfying and relaxing.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas Street West, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 3-7 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church, 2850 Bloor St W, Toronto on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery.