Jim Jack

Jim Jack passed away peacefully in the palliative care unit at Toronto Grace Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 after a short battle with cancer. 

Jim’s life is perhaps best summed up by two of his favourite expressions.  “It’s better to wear out than to rust out”, and “It’s always better to err on the side of generosity”.  

He was never more fully alive than when he was working to support a cause or organization in which he believed.  In his adopted home-town of Thunder Bay, Jim was a member of the board of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and of Shelter House.  He also served as clerk of session at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. 

After he moved to Toronto in July of 2012, Jim became a volunteer at the Royal Ontario Museum where he was active in many programs, but especially in the outreach group for Ronald McDonald House. 

All of these retirement activities followed an active teaching career during which Jim coached, refereed basketball and directed high school musicals and bands.  His profound dedication to his students was the hallmark of his professional life.  In his personal life, Jim was the most devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend imaginable.  Jim is survived by his wife Lisa, his children Rachel (Geoff, Kate & Alex) and Ian (Cara, Malcolm & Ewan) and his sisters Anne Manning (Bob) and Helen Smith (Bob). 

A memorial service will also be held in Thunder Bay, Ontario on Monday, August 17 at 11:30am at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.  If friends desire, donations may be made to the Shoppers Drug Mart One Walk to Conquer Cancer.  Lisa’s participant ID is 114526-3 and funds raised will be directed toward prostate cancer research.