Jim passed away at the age of 83 at Ian Anderson House in Oakville following a brief yet heroic battle with cancer.

Jim was a loving husband to Carolyn Gail McConkey (McPhie), with whom he recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Predeceased by parents Gordon Herbert McConkey and Flora Megan Myfanwy McConkey (Thornton). Devoted father to Charlotte Louise Van Zeller (Nigel) and cherished grandfather to Nigel Edward James Van Zeller, William Harris Stewart Van Zeller and Sydney Christine Nanton (Brant), and proud great-grandfather to Brogan Stephan Nanton.

Born in Toronto, Jim enjoyed childhood growing up in Leaside and the Kingsway. He enjoyed many summers at the family cottage on Shanty Bay, Lake Simcoe. Jim attended high school at Royal York Collegiate and Richview Collegiate forming friendships that he treasured throughout his life.

Jim’s professional life was diverse and marked by an unwavering commitment to learning and excellence. Jim initially attended the Ontario Agricultural College (which later became The University of Guelph) where he studied Agricultural Engineering. It was here in 1962 that he met Lynn who was studying Home Economics at the MacDonald Institute.

In 1964, Jim went on to obtain his Masters Licence in Steamfitting and was also recognized as the Mechanical Contractors Association Apprentice of the Year. Jim then became Project Manager in the family mechanical contracting business, later moving on to be Project Manager with other mechanical contractors, prior to teaching in the apprenticeship programmes at Humber College.

As a father, and while continuing to work, he returned to school, attending Atkinson College at York University to earn his Honours B.A. in Psychology, where he was also recognized with an Atkinson College Scholarship. He then attended Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at U of T to earn his Masters (M.Ed.), followed by his doctorate in Counselling Psychology (Ed.D.). Jim was exceptionally proud of his doctoral dissertation which was accepted without revision. Jim then became a professor of psychology at Humber College teaching nursing and funeral services students until his retirement. While teaching Jim was recognized with Humber’s Innovator of the Year Award. After he obtained his doctorate, he also became a Certified Rehabilitation Consultant and did rehab consulting for automobile accident victims, specializing in fraudulent claims.

Jim’s interests were as varied as his accomplishments. He was a man of many talents, who placed a high importance on family. Jim and Lynn and their family spent countless hours playing by the pool, picnicking and going on family adventures which often included antiquing, thrifting and enjoying many an art mystery or treasured thrift find. This passion even led to a feature on the CBC edition of the BBC Antiques Roadshow when it visited Toronto.

Another of Jim’s greatest passions was his garden, and he certainly had a green thumb. Together, he and Lynn created a beautiful sanctuary at their home, a piece of heaven on earth that reflected their shared love for nature.

A private celebration of life has been held and he is interred at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton where he took great care in designing the family monument.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ian Anderson house. The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers for the compassionate care they provided for Jim’s last 5 days. They enabled Jim to be at peace in beautiful surroundings with family and friends.

The family would also like to thank the Palliative Care teams at Credit Valley Hospital and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and the Radiation and Oncology teams at Credit Valley Hospital.

Carpent tua poma nepotes (your descendants shall gather your fruits)
~Virgil, Eclogues, XI., 37 B.C.