“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.
Livre de visiteurs
Terry and Gena Harrington
Erin
I love that I got to meet your dad! He was such a delight, and he ROCKED those Hawaiian shirts with such great joy!! Hugs for the whole family! He will be missed
Mariya
My dear Angela I sincerely regret your loss! I did not have the pleasure of meeting your father, but I sincerely believe that I have met part of him in You! In your love for theater and music, and in this incredibly infectious smile! Cheers to Jаmes !
Evelyn
Thinking of you all - Alex and I will always remember sitting on your back deck, drinking cake-flavoured vodka with Jim. The dad who gets in the car in the middle of the night to go to Montreal for poutine is the best kind of dad <3
Janet Uren
He was the most joyful man, the merriest, the kindest, the most entertaining. Always good company, always intensely alive. His departure leaves a hole in our lives and in our theatre.
Nancy Hanna
My deepest sympathies to you, Nancy, and your family.
Jim has been in my "theatre" life since the late 1980's. He was a man of many talents - not the least of which knowing a good scotch and a good cigar when he saw them! RIP Jim.
Barbara Merriam
Jim was a special person and in my mind, the world's best stage manager! He is at peace.
Lisa Dunn
Jim taught me so much. Always took time to encourage me and I really felt that he cared to help. He represents why I love theatre. The people who become like family. Thank you Jim, for taking me under your wing and making me feel like I could do anything. I will miss you so much and will think of you every time I put a headset backstage. I’m so proud to have been one of your “Hogan’s Hero’s”. Love and condolences to Nancy and family.
Patricia Hubert
Dear Nancy. My heart goes out to you and your family. Jim was not only fun to work with backstage, but such a patient teacher in all things theatre. He is and will be missed. Sending hugs!
Ruth-Anne
Thinking of you and yours at this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to Nancy and family. We enjoyed our visits with Jim and we know he must have suffered a lot in the past year and more. He certainly had courage, as did all of you. Blessings to you all.