“It’s Magic Time” – Jim
On September 20th Jim celebrated his birthday and then departed from us. Due to a long battle with poor health he opted for MAiD. His final birthday was celebrated with eggs benedict, champagne and caviar, as only Jim would have it. He passed surrounded by his loving family Nancy, Angela, Casey and Laura.
Ask anyone and they will tell you what a storyteller he was. Jim loved regaling others with tales of adventures and misadventures alike. Whether it was travelling through Europe, theatre anecdotes or wild nights with excellent company, Jim surely had a story you needed to hear.
From a young age he had a passion for the Theatre and theatrics. It was through theatre in high school that he met his lovely wife Nancy. Although he was involved in theatre as a youth, he never made it his true calling until later in life. Jim volunteered at The Ottawa Little Theatre as a sound designer for many years, and when the time came he took up the mantle as Stage Manager replacing his Uncle Ken. Jim was in many ways inspired by Ken’s joie de vivre and his love of the theatre. As Stage Manager Jim was everyone’s best friend and personal cheerleader; clad in a Hawaiian Shirt and Birkenstocks. Best known for trivia before the shows and devil may care cocktails in the wings afterwards, he was the heart of the theatre.
Jim was the epitome of “live life large”. His message to family and friends was to do the same.
A special thank you to Shelley Rogers, Jim’s primary care nurse not only for being a consummate professional but also for her unfailing compassion.
His wish was for everyone to love theatre. In his memory please feel free to donate to The Ottawa Little Theatre, or for the non-thespians the Rideau River Conservation Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Keith Colbourne
Lucille Le Vert
My deepest condolences to Nancy and Jim's family. It was an extreme pleasure getting to know Jim while working on many props crews for several productions at the OLT these past years. His knowledge and love of theatre as well as his sense of humour will be missed. RIP Jim.
Pat Marshall
Oh Nancy and family,
Who can ever forget Jim’s smile and kindness? Just knowing that he was there at his post gave everyone in a production the assurance that if anything went wrong, Jim was there to fix it. The end of an era. May the love of all who knew him surround you now and help you learn to live with this great loss.
Marie Gibson
JIm will be forever honoured, missed, and loved. A truly unique man of talent, reliability and integrity. Most of all, we all loved him.
Denise J Killick
My dearest Nancy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My you find peace in knowing that you are loved and thought of often as you cope with Jim's passing. xoxo
Shannon Hogan
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in each other during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts.
Patrick Kay
Dear Nancy,
my heart goes out to you and your family!
Jim will always be remembered by his genuine kind heart and commitment to everyone he met.
Ottawa theatre scene will miss him
I think OLT should have his name on the theatre building.
Jim hogan Playhouse
Monica Browness
Jim was a hero to so many people. He always brightened up our day. My deepest sympathy to Nancy, Angela , Casey and Laura.
Teri Loretto-Valentik
Jim was always such a sweet, happy and charming person to be around. He made me laugh and impressed me with his compassion and patience. I only worked with him as an SM twice, but we had such fun, I looked forward to every show. Please accept my condolences at this tough time: he will be missed. I hope that there is some comfort in knowing that so many people hold his light in their hearts.
Ian Johnston
When I was younger, Jim was like an Uncle to me. New Year's Eve at the Hogan's, are some of my favorite childhood memories. As I got older we grew apart, but I was lucky enough to see Jim and Nancy at Granny's "surprise" birthday party a couple years ago. Jim was just as I remembered him; chatty, smiling and happy. I'm glad we got the chance to catch up. All my love to the family. Rest well Jim.
Everytime I saw Jim and we chatted, it immediately made that day better. I was bummed out when he retired and saddened to hear of his death. It will be impossible to be at OLT and not think of him fondly, and I'm grateful for that. Much love to Nancy and the family.