Jim “the Paper Boy” has left to deliver newspapers elsewhere.
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Jim McKever on September 3, 2022, following the unexpected and aggressive relapse of his multiple myeloma in June.
Jim was a kind-hearted and devoted husband and Papa, spending all his time with his wife and family and lovingly taking care of them. For many years he had numerous newspaper routes so he would have extra money for special gifts and to help his grandchildren pursue the activities they loved. Jim enjoyed the long walks in the early morning hours while doing his paper route (most of the time). He especially appreciated his interactions with all the people and dogs he met along the way. Being a grandfather, he took great delight in his title as “the Paper Boy”.
Jim is survived by his best friend, partner in crime, and wife of 21 years, Debra, and his blended family of children Sheila Walsh, Katherine Logan, Carly (David) Kirkup, Clark (Jenny), Christopher (Alisha), and Joshua (Carmen) Fusillo. Grieving the loss of their adored Papa are his grandchildren Katie Walsh, Kyle and Karter Logan, and Hayley and Matthew Kirkup.
Also survived by his beloved parents-in-law Bill and Marilyn Lankinen, sister-in-law Karen Hennig, brothers-in-law Gary Lankinen and David (Cindy) Lankinen, sister Marg (Bryan) MacKay, his grandchildren Madison and Camryn McKever and Brayden, Krew, and Leni McKever, numerous nieces and nephews, and other extended family members. He is also dearly missed by his constant companion since his initial cancer diagnosis in December 2020 – his cat Molly.
Predeceased by his parents, Charles (Charlie) and Margaret McKever, many aunts and uncles, and his nephew Kol MacKay.
We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jim’s medical team at the Cancer Centre for providing exceptional care throughout his fight with this terrible disease, particularly Drs. Laferriere and Lubbers and Carol, NP. Thank you as well to Jim’s primary care provider, Dr. Jon Johnsen, and Jim’s nurses in 1A Oncology who helped make his final days more comfortable.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
A full obituary will follow on the Northwest Funeral Alternative website at: www.nwfainc.com
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
