In Celebration of

James Tannian

June 11, 1926 -  February 23, 2020

Peacefully at Erin Mills Lodge, Mississauga on February 23, 2020, in his 94th year.
Loving husband of Marion (St. Onge) for over 51 years.

Jim was born in Calgary to Michael J. and Mary Theresa (Tess) Tannian(Maher). The only son, he is survived by sisters Nan Tannian, Philomena Reynolds (late Bud) and Claire Fedeyko (late Paul). Jim is also survived by nieces Mary Anne Dansie (Tim), Nancy Fedeyko (Sheri), Kiki Flanagan (Mike) and Judy Soucy (Gilles) He is also survived by nephews Chris Reynolds (Portia), Bill Reynolds (Rebecca), Tom Reynolds (Natasha) and John St. Onge (Susan) as well as his many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by nephews Jimmy St. Onge and Mike Fedeyko.

As a very young boy, Jim was determined to become a journalist. He attended St. Annes Primary School and St. Marys Boys High School in Calgary. After High School, Jim joined the Air Force and later was transferred to the Army.

His military service enabled him to go to Carleton College which later became Carleton University where he obtained his Journalism Degree in 1949. His first career in the field of journalism was with The Chatham Daily News. Following that he worked for Canadian Press for several years where he covered Hurricane Hazel, and the fire on the Great Lakes Cruise ship, the Noronic in the Toronto Harbour. Jim left Journalism to do Public Relations work for Bell Telephone followed by MacDonald Export, Texaco Oil and Husky Oil.
In the mid 1960’s, a good friend introduced him to the very charming Marion St. Onge. He was smitten and on July 19, 1968, they were married. They lived in Montreal for a few years followed by a move to Mississauga. After Jim and Marion settled in Mississauga, a lovely creature came into their lives – Tammy, a beautiful tri-coloured collie followed by Minda, the stray cat that came into the garage one day and stayed for 23 years!

Jim and Marion loved to travel and visited Mexico, Ireland, Poland and Rome where they had the privilege of speaking with and having their picture taken with Pope John Paul II.
In their retirement years, Jim and Marion moved to Cobourg where they met many wonderful friends, enjoyed their beautiful garden and the view of the Northumberland Hills.

Jim will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity and his very unique sense of humour.

Thanks to Sue and Jenna for their care and kindness while Jim and Marion were still in their home, and thank you to Dr.Jack and the team at Erin Mills Lodge for caring for Jim over the past few months.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, 2300 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Guestbook 

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S. Ellis (Friend)

Entered February 27, 2020 from Montréal

I wish you comfort during your sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will soon come back to life in a peaceful paradise on the earth. (John 5:28, 29)

Judy Phelan Burrows (Friend from Marianopolis College)

Entered February 29, 2020 from Calgary

Marion, I send prayers, deep sympathy and warm thoughts to you as you mourn your dear Jim.

Respectfully,
Judy Phelan Burrows
Calgary

Gary and Trish James (Parishioner from St. Michael's Parish)

Entered March 1, 2020 from Cobourg, ON

It was a pleasure to know Jim and Marian through our parish. Their faith was evident by their perseverance to attend on Sunday's though it was often a challenge for them to do so. I also had the honour to visit them in their home and bring the Eucharist to them. We will pray for the repose of Jim's soul and for Marian.
God Bless, may he rest in peace.
Trish James

Photos 

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