James O'Neill

Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, best friend, and partner of 64 years, Cecile O’Neill (née Desforges), who lovingly referred to him as James Aloysius.

Much loved Dad/Da of Peggy McRae (Harold), Brian, Debbie, Randy (Jocelynne Menard). Cherished Papa of Benjamin McRae (Cindy), Sara McRae (Mathew Ladouceur), Kyle Handy (Melissa Rowe), Tracy Handy (Kevin Butler) and Alexandre Menard. Proud great-grandfather of Madison and Abigail McRae, Addisyn and Ainsley Ladouceur, and Audrey Butler. Jim is also survived by his loving brother Sandy O’Neill (Lois). Lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents: Michael and Margaret (née Kennedy) O’Neill, his brother, Patrick O’Neill (Evelyn), and his nephew Shawn O’Neill.

Jim was a long-term employee of Domtar Fine Papers while at the same time enjoying a side hustle as a flooring installer. This afforded him the opportunity to meet many people (Bobby Orr) some of whom would become lifelong friends. Jack-of-all-trades, a tinkerer, the go-to for anything broken, about to be broken, or beyond repair, for family, friends, and strangers alike. Jim was an accomplished athlete having played fastball and hockey for many years throughout his life. He was a die hard Detroit Red Wings fan. He was a proud member of the Hubs hockey club and the Domtar fastball team, where he was a catcher.

His family was everything to him. He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love. He never missed an opportunity to get his family together.

He was a proud Irishman, and he touched many people’s lives with his larger-than-life personality and his huge heart. Jim was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a friend to all. The family would like to thank the devoted staff at the Cornwall Dialysis clinics (CCH and Brookdale Ave), the nurses and doctors at the Cornwall Community Hospital as well as the Ottawa Hospital who referred to him as an “Angel”.

The Family will receive relatives and friends at Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Homes, West Branch – 20 7th Street West, Cornwall, Ontario on Wednesday, March 16th 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Thursday from 9 am until time of Funeral. Funeral services with Mass of Christian burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Cornwall, on Thursday, March 17th at 11:00 am. Rite of committal to follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Cornwall. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to the Cornwall Community Hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family. Messages of condolences may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca.