James Milne

Mr. James (Jim) Alfred Milne passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday August 19th in Hogarth Riverview Manor. He was 91 years of age. Jim was born in Fort William in McKellar General Hospital on May 18, 1932, the first son of William Sr. and Dorothy Milne. His first years were spent in the small town of Upsala ON joined by sister Ida and brother William Jr. The family moved to Fort William in 1941 after William Sr. found work at the munitions plant there, eventually making a home on East Mary St. His youngest sister Dorothy was born after the family settled in Fort William.
 
While working at Swift’s Jim met Susan Mclaren. Romance ensued and they were wed in Toronto on July 10, 1961. In 1965, after several years in Winnipeg Jim and Sue along with their young son Gordon returned to Fort William where Jim would call home the remainder of his life. Jim built a home for his family on the historic Mclaren farm overlooking the Kaministiquia River. Jim remained here after Susan’s passing in 1993 up until nearly his final year.
 
Jim had a passion for model aircraft and aviation history. Through his adult life he would spend countless hours masterfully building and flying radio controlled aircraft. He developed close, lasting friendships with his fellow fliers and mentored many in the sport. Jim was involved with a number of model airplane clubs and organizations and served many years in executive roles.
 
Jim spent over 25 years as a civilian instructor with the 66 squadron of the Royal Canadian Air cadets in Thunder Bay. He taught model aircraft building helping the young cadets understand the construction of aircraft and the principles of flight. He worked alongside Jane Brassard here and developed a close, enduring friendship.
 
Following his time with Cadets Jim worked to help establish the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre. With his love of the rich history of aviation in the North and CanCar building aircraft in Fort William in the 40’s and 50’s this was the perfect project for him. He stepped down from the board of directors in 2021.
 
Jim remained in the family home for as long as he could transitioning to Chartwell Isabella in June of 2022 and spending his last months at Hogarth Riverview Manor until his passing. His family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the staff of Chartwell Isabella and nurses and doctors of Hogarth Riverview Manor for the care given in his time spent at each place.
 
Jim is survived by his son Gordon (Janice) in Salmon Arm BC, his sister Dorothy Ten Have (John) in Thunder Bay, grandchildren Noah, Avery and Robin Cannon-Milne and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by wife Susan in 1993, brother William Jr. (Audrey) in 2020 and sister Ida (Wayne) in 2022.
 
Jim is dearly missed by his family and many friends. His memory will live on through his work in the community and with those whose lives he touched over his long, well lived life.
 
Cremation has taken place and no formal funeral is planned. A celebration of life and interment at Mountainview Cemetery are intended at a future time. If desired contributions may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund or the charity of your choice. Please share condolences at www.sargentandson.com.