With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James “Jim” Loney, who left us on February 10, 2025, at the age of 58, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Though his time was far too short, Jim lived a life full of passion, dedication, fun, and love.
Born on August 15, 1966, Jim grew up with a strong work ethic and a drive to build something meaningful. After graduating from Westgate Collegiate Vocational Institute, he spent considerable time working toward and earning his heavy equipment mechanic, automotive mechanic, welding and truck and coach certifications.
He began his career as a mechanic and welder with Powell Equipment. However, Jim was never one to shy away from new opportunities. When a chance encounter led him into the world of hot tub rentals, he embraced the challenge, eventually founding what would become Coconut Bay Pool & Spa — a business built with dedication, hard work, and the love of his life, Michelle, by his side. When Powell was bought out in 2001, Jim made the decision to step fully into his business, ensuring that his family would always have something they could grow together.
Jim’s career was more than just a means of making a living; it was an extension of who he was—determined, resourceful, and a charismatic salesman. He had a way with people, where his incredible knowledge and expertise was immediately apparent when he spoke. He embodied equal parts of directness, surety, and sincerity, and it was through these characteristics and hard work that he became the successful business owner that he was.
Above all else, Jim was a devoted husband, driven, a proud father, and a loving papa. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and their children: Taylor (Scott), Hayley (Kenny), Alexis, Anna and James. His legacy lives on in his adored grandchildren: Amara, Bristol, and Tatum, who brought him immeasurable joy. Sisters Susan (Bob), Sharmaine (Nigel) and Elizabeth, his brother-in-law Nicholas (Pam), mother-in-law Linda and nephew and nieces. He will be deeply missed by many extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Jim was preceded in death by his father Hugh Loney, Gary Nelson, his mother Shirley, his father-in-law Nick, and many other beloved family members. We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with those he loved.
While he is no longer with us, he lives on in his children. He used to say he was ‘giving the kids their tools for their toolbox;’ In Taylor his compassion for others, in Hayley his determination and drive, in Alexis his perseverance, in James his curiosity and love of all things machinery, and in Anna, his kindness. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jim’s medical team over the last year including the hematology (Dr Laferierre, Joanna, and Carli) and radiology (Dr Anthes) departments at Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Center, the exceptional care from nurses on 1A as well as Ottawa General Hospital for their state of the art care over the past year. Huge thank you to Thunder Bay Regional 1A nurses and doctors for their compassionate support in Jims final days.
We also want to thank our support team who held our hands and got us through this last year including Cynthia & Sam, Sara & Carl, John & Pam, Leanne & John and many others. We couldn’t have done it without you.
A celebration of life will be held on February 22 at 11 AM at the Neebing Roadhouse, where friends and family will gather to honor a man whose kindness, determination, hard work, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
As expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
