As a zoo nutritionist visiting nutrition conferences in North America  I met Jim many times. We liked each others and talked many times  about all kind of things. And I felt, although he was a real Canadian, he had a soft spot for Europe especially beside Scotland for the Netherlands.
I just received the message that he died several month ago and I apologize I did not send my condolence before.
I wish you as family much strengness with the loss of Jim

Joeke Nijboer
Rotterdam Zoo
The Netherlands

Goodbye Jim
So sorry and sad to hear of you’re unexpected passing 
Will never forget you’re infectious smile and laughter 
Such a very caring and loving man 
I’m sure you’ll find a darts team in heaven to play on and enjoy a couple of pints 
My sincere condolences to Jim’s family 
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Glen Dexter 

Dear Susan and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the immense good fortune to cross paths with Jim (and be gently mentored by him) at many different times. His legacy is strong on that rugby pitch and most certainly goes beyond — to the wider University, city of Guelph and international communities. When I was a young professional, I watched him mentor so many young people who struggled with their pathways and was always impressed with how he helped them navigate and feel valued. Later, he expertly served the university as the Chair of the Board of Undergraduate Studies. Jim had an unfailing ability to ask all the right questions and ensure every policy passed would be good for students and ensure their success. His philanthropic efforts as co-chair of the University of Guelph’s United Way campaign are epic and he humbly and quietly made a material difference in the lives of so many in our community. Jim had a major influence in bringing a number of us into that world. I will be forever grateful for his wise counsel, his unfailingly good humour, his ability to disarm you with that smile and a bear hug, and of course his generosity of spirit. I have no idea how he found the time to do it all and still tell us many stories about Susan, the kids and grandkids, which made us feel we knew you as friends. His love for his family was always palpable and clearly one of his most important legacies, among many. The world is a little less bright without Dr. Atkinson in it.  RIP Jim xo
Patricia

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I remember him as a good rugby coach in the 1970s (a long time ago).

Hello
I wanted to pass along my condolences to the family. My mother, Joan Goddard, was quite close with Jim and spoke of him often. They worked together at U of G. I remember his upbeat and energetic personality from visits to our home when I was a teen. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My mother died in Guelph in 2014. 
Catherine Goddard

Sad News Indeed out of Guelph, that my rugby mentor and fellow Back Row Number 8 died early this month.  Many indeed are our Long Lasting Memories!

As graduate students at UofGuelph, Jim gave me support and perspective, and had my back when a prof put me on his Usual Suspects List for anything that went wrong anywhere in the department, without evidence!
Jim & Sue and I travelled by car to Winnipeg to present papers at a meeting of the Canadian Federation of Biological Societies in the spring of 1971.   At the time I poked private fun at the University of Manitoba's logo "UM".  Ironically, six years later I was an Assistant Prof there!
Jim & Sue generously offered me plane fare to return to the UK to continue my PhD studies after I strayed back to Guelph temporarily in 1971 - a very kind and generous offer that, although not needed financially, was a career Awakening Call that put me back on track!
And when my two daughters considered attending UofGuelph over a decade ago, naturally it was Professor Jim to whom I turned to give them the tour around campus and extol the virtues of our Alma Mater (and now theirs as well)!
And so for all that Jim has given us, now, fittingly in his own words as heard so often on the rugby pitch, we say...   'played, Jim! 

The first week of my first year at Guelph there was an impromptu post practice social for the Rugby team just off campus. 

We were all on the large porch of a big house across from OVC which was fronted with a thick hedge of cedars that grew up to the railing; about eight feet off the ground. My new team mates were chatting and hanging out. l sat in the corner taking in this very new experience. Jim was sitting on the front railing nearby and during a quiet moment he looked towards me and gave me a mischievous wink and then rolled himself backward off the railing.

Everyone panicked and ran down the stairs to find Jim on the ground smiling after his cushioned tumble down through the branches of the cedars.

I didn’t move. I just kept sitting there in awe of Jim who would be my coach for the next four years. 

There are few things I have wanted more than to win an OUAA championship for Jim. We got to the finals in ’94.

I thank Jim’s family for sharing Jim’s time with us all.

Andrew Henry, UGRFC, captain 1994

My sympathies to the family. Prof./coach Atkinson had a large impact on me as an athlete and as a future coach of young children.  He made you feel welcome and valued as a member of the team. I was on the rugby team 1982 and 83. I had never played before but learned the game and contributed to the teams success under his guidance.  Injuries prevented me playing more. As an adult and parent, I would emulate his approach when training with my own youth soccer teams.   
I am sure he is loved and missed by his family. 
His legacy reaches out and touches many.
Julian Hesketh OAC 85

Jim Atkinson: talented, professional, caring, supportive. And that infectious Jim Atkinson smile could ruin one's worst bad mood. It was a privilege to have known you, Jim. 

My condolences to the family.  Jim showed me the path to greatness.  Thank you for your support and faith in my potential.  A rare true friend and mentor. I am forever grateful for the impact Jim had on my life since high school. This photo was when I was inducted into the Gryphon Hall of Fame.  One of the highlights of the night was sharing this moment with my long time coach.  
I played for Jim in the summer and two years of University rugby.  Seeing Jim on the sideline with his intensity made me  feel amazing. His cheers radiated and uplifted the spirit. Thank you Jim and family for this great man. A solid man of good character.  A person I aspire to be.

My sister and I were so fortunate to have played rugby for Guelph with such an incredible coach. Jim’s passion for rugby, support of women in sport and the importance he placed on academics played a huge role in our successes in life, well beyond the success on the field. He impacted so many rugby players and students at University of Guelph and beyond in the club rugby world. He will be sorely missed ❤️💛🖤 RIP Jimmy 🍻Thank you for all that you did for all those who had the fortunate opportunity to be coached and mentored by you. #gryphonrugby #gryphonforlife

Jim had a larger than life personality. Great smile, great sense of humour and quit witted. He was knowledgeable about a lot of things and always curious.
Jim was solely responsible for the early  development of Rugby at the University of Guelph. After retiring from coaching he mentored numerous coaches and athletes and his impact on the rugby program was impactful.
Gail and I are so grateful that Jim took an interest in the career of our daughter Becky. He mentored her through her four years of vet school and continued to do so in the early years of her career. They had lunch just one month ago and as usual he was a steady influence on this young professional.
Eternally grateful - RIP




Dear Sue, Becky and Daniel and family:

We are so profoundly sorry for the loss of a great man - The Mayor of Cavell Ave. 

We will forever miss hearing Jim's voice from across the drive, asking how our lives are going, with keen and genuine interest. He also always had an interesting story for us about one or all of you, or a cow or a pig or a rugby match in Africa..... .

Jim is a treasured piece of the tapestry that is the Cavell neighbourhood. He will truly be missed.

Thinking of you all,
Sharon and Cal Fair.

My deepest condolences to the family, Jim was a true legend. I had the pleasure of having him as a prof in my grad program after coming to Guelph from my undergrad in the UK. We bonded quickly when I would be the only one in class getting some of his British jokes. His genuine concern for every student was truly what made him great. 


Dianne’s and my interactions with Jim came through his coaching of Guelph Gryphons Women’s Rugby. Our daughters learned the game through their participation. We came to know him personally. 
He gave a priceless gift to our girls.
“Rugby gave them wings. Jim gave them rugby”.’
Thanks Coach!

Sincere condolences. Jim was a fine individual who made major conributions and was always a pleassure to be with at the university. The world in a poorerplace now that Jim is gone.

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.    Jim won the baby guessing game for my daughter 21 years ago.  He guessed the gender correctly and had the closest guess for the birth weight.  He gave all the proceeds from the game to my daughter.
  
May the Great comforter continue to comfort all the loved ones that he left behind

Rest in peace Jim. 

Ayo Ajakaiye

My deepest condolences to Susan and family. Jim was an amazing mentor, professor and friend. A memory that I hold dear to my heart is when I was in undergrad and used to sing for the symphonic choir. I had invited jim to watch us perform our year end concert. The day of the concert was a huge snowstorm and my parents had called to say they couldn’t make it as the weather was really bad. I was devastated as I was so looking forward to them cheering us on in the audience. I didn’t think Jim would be able to make it with his busy schedule but when I got to the stage there he was. I was so touched that he showed his support that day and braved the storm.  I will hold dear to me the memories of us working on my masters project, attending our wedding and random lunch meet ups to catch up and talk about family and life. He had an amazing love for his family and loved talking about his grandchildren and his visits with them. 

Jim you will be missed by many.  You not only impacted so many lives, you changed them, including my own and I will be forever grateful for that. Rest in peace my dear friend. 

Sad news about Jim’s passing. I knew him on campus for years, always enjoyed his company, his sparkle, his sense of humour , his commitments to our joint interest in  student learning and achievement. He was an exceptional colleague and  I very much value my  happy associations with Jim.
 
      Jim Shute

Jim was a wonderful mentor to me while I conducted my Masters in Wildlife Nutrition at the University of Guelph so many years ago.  Jim was the one who sparked my interest in animal nutrition and helped me pursue my Masters.  He was an icon that will be truly missed.  

Jim was my professor for two undergraduate courses, my supervisor for an Honor’s thesis, my boss for two summers, and eventually my supervisor for my Master’s degree. I was his first graduate student (the first of many to have that privilege). As time went by, we became colleagues and friends.

To say Jim was a pivotal figure in my life is an understatement. He introduced me to my husband and firmly set me on my unanticipated career path. Thirty-five years later I’m still grateful for both. As pivotal as those things are for me, far more profound was his belief in me. When I doubted myself (which was constant in those early years), he didn’t. He had an unshakable faith in me that was as astonishing to me as it was baffling. And I thrived under his care and his mentorship.

We cared for captive weasels, blended up tiger feces, published papers and talked - about everything. We drank good beer, bad wine and questionable Kentucky Moonshine. One rainy day I needed him to sign the final copies of my thesis. He ran off the rugby field, wiping the mud from his hands on his pants so as not to smear my pristine pages. Classic Jim.

As years passed and I gained more solid footing in my career and my life, Jim was always available. When I was presenting at conference near his home, he would come to listen, beaming with quiet pride at the back of the room. When I had a question, he never failed to come up with some brilliant suggestion. I was always grateful to have a reason to call and chat, to catch up, to feel his reassuring and solid presence in my life.

I will miss Jim more than I can say. Twenty-eight years ago, we named our son Logan James, in honor of this man who has impacted our lives in such a profound way. And of course, his legacy will live on, through all of us, his students, his colleagues, his family, his friends. Jim was a rare gift to this world and we are all so much richer for his presence in it.

Godspeed my friend.


Jim was my professor for two undergraduate courses, my supervisor for an undergrad  Honor’s thesis, my boss for two summers, and eventually my supervisor for my Master’s degree. I was his first graduate student (the first of many to have that privilege). As time went by, we became colleagues and friends.

To say Jim was a pivotal figure in my life is an understatement. He introduced me to my husband and firmly set me on my unanticipated career path. Thirty-five years later I’m still grateful for both. As pivotal as those things are for me, far more profound was his belief in me. When I doubted myself (which was constant in those early years), he didn’t. He had an unshakable faith in me that was as astonishing to me as it was baffling. And I thrived under his care and his mentorship.

We cared for captive weasels, blended up tiger feces, published papers and talked - about everything. We drank good beer, bad wine and questionable Kentucky Moonshine. One rainy day I needed him to sign the final copies of my thesis. He ran off the rugby field, wiping the mud from his hands on his pants so as not to smear my pristine pages. Classic Jim.

As years passed and I gained more solid footing in my career and my life, Jim was always available. When I was presenting at conference near his home, he would come to listen, beaming with quiet pride at the back of the room. When I had a question, he never failed to come up with some brilliant suggestion. I was always grateful to have a reason to call and chat, to catch up, to feel his reassuring and solid presence in my life.

I will miss Jim more than I can say. Twenty-eight years ago, we named our son Logan James, in honor of this man who has impacted our lives in such a profound way. And of course, his legacy will live on, through all of us, his students, his colleagues, his family, his friends. Jim was a rare gift to this world and we are all so much richer for his presence in it.

Godspeed my friend.


I was so sorry to hear of Jim”a passing. He is woven into so many of my earliest childhood memories of growing up on Cavell street, playing with Becky. I wish you all peace and hope you are all surrounded by love in the days to come. 

Jennifer

Jim Atkinson: talented, professional, caring, supportive. It was a privilege to have known you, Jim. My  condolences to family and friends and the University of Guelph community.

Jim was an exemplary teacher and colleague and he will be greatly missed! My deepest condolences to Susan and all of the family.

Jim was my all-time favourite teacher. Completely unorthodox and incredibly engaging. In pet nutrition, he ate a can Whiskas with a glass of wine in class. In wildlife nutrition, I was bewildered by how one individual could know possess so much knowledge and deliver it in simple and fun way. Jim was the undergraduate advisor and I spent countless hours in his office trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. He would listen with a smile and a joke and never rushed me out of his office despite the growing line up of students waiting to ask him the very the same question. He helped me to figure out my interests and guided me on the path to grad school. As a grad student he gave me a job as a teaching assistant and lecturer in his pet nutrition class. He cared about my growth and development and went out of his way to provide opportunities and make connections. Being around Jim, you could feel that he was energized by helping others succeed. It was an energy he possessed and radiated. He was an examiner in my PhD defense and I must admit I was nervous to be examined by a living encyclopedia. We had an interesting discussion on, what if you fed that product for dogs to a seal? His curious nature and capacity to remember facts kept every encounter interesting and informative. He also knew how to have a good time. A fun memory I have is a road trip to Ohio where Jim had the windows down and the volume ALL the way UP as we listened to Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hit album (back-to-back). He sang every single song, loudly. He is gone too soon. I will dearly miss him and am eternally grateful to him, as I would have been lost without him. 

Jim was a great friend and mentor in the Henry Bayley lab of the 70’s in the Dept. of Nutrition. I always appreciated his willingness to provide some advice and encouragement which was well thought out and always delivered with a smile. My thoughts are with Jim’s entire family.

On behalf of the Department of Animal Biosciences, we would like to express our deepest condolences to Jim's family. 
Since 1986 when he joined our department, Jim has been an inspiration to all of us with his unabated energy, sparkling eyes, and cheeky grin. Jim was a fantastic teacher, an opinionated conversationist, a generous and interested colleague, and a great role model for so many colleagues and students. 
His genuine interest in everyone and everything was a rare and treasured trait. 
Rest in peace dear Jim, we will miss you.

Christine Baes, 
Chair of the Department of Animal Biosciences

Jim is one of the warmest, smartest, kindest, and most special people I have ever met. He was always full of energy and excitement, and always gave his full attention to those in his company, making them feel like the most important people in the world. He would also reach out if time had elapsed since last communications, never losing touch. And, Jim never forgot a face. So much so, that when we first met, he instantly recognized me as the son of a fellow graduate student he worked with in the early 1970s, more than 40 years prior! The way Jim lived is an example to follow, and the world lost one of its best earlier this month. Very hard news  to process. My deepest condolences to his family and extensively-wide community of friends. 

We were saddened to hear of Jim's leaving. 
Our initial connection dates back to the early seventies when both 
Jim and Sue were a daily part of life in the Animal Nutrition labs at Guelph.  We subsequently left Guelph (as graduates do) but were drawn back some forty years later when our youngest did science and then graduated OVC 2018 under the unflagging guidance of Dr. Jim Atkinson. Thank you again for that Jim!  
We were heartened to see Jim at a subsequent awards ceremony where his enthusiasm for life was again an endearing inspiration.  He spoke with such pride of Sue before having to dash off to the rugby field. Rest in peace Jim - play on! 
Our heartfelt condolences to Sue and their children.

Denis & Jo McLaughlin



I was so sorry to hear about Jim.  Whenever I think Gryphon athletics, I think Jim. He was both a great coach but once he stopped coaching, an amazing supporter.  He was very patient with me when I asked him to explain all the rugby rules. And whenever I was at a game he made a point of coming over to say hi.

I love the pictures you have posted - that Jim smile!
He will be missed.



My deepest condolences to the Atkinson family. I will forever cherish the memories and his inspirational story telling. I wish I could thank him again for his guidance and kindness. 

Sincerely, 

Anastasia Novy

We didn't know each other very well, but whenever we were in contact, it was always heartwarming to experience his enthusiasm and welcoming positivity. My condolences to family and friends from Belgium.

To the Atkinson family, my thoughts and condenlences are with you during this difficult time. As a former undergraduate and graduate student of Jim's at the University of Guelph, I can say that his classes were among my favourites. He didn't just teach us the subject matter - he also taught us to think critically, to expand and apply our knowledge beyond what we already knew,  to see how so much in the natural world is interrelated and interdependent and to most of all, keep learning about the ever-changing world around us. Most importantly of all, I think he wanted us to realize that there was always something new to discover and that possibilites are endless. As a scientific regulator working in the federal public service, I owe much of my academic knowledge and skills to him.  Please take care of you and yours.

Sincerely,
Michelle Borysenko
B.Sc Animal Biology 1999, University of Guelph
M.Sc. in Animal Nutrition 2002, University of Guelph 

I met Jim in 1977 when I arrived in Canada as a graduate student at the University of Waterloo. As a rugby player for the Warriors I met Jim when he was coaching the Gryphons Men’s Program. As fellow ex-pats we hit if off immediately - a relationship that would span many decades on the sidelines as OUAA coaches after I took the reins at McMaster. Sharing the odd pint after Guelph/Mac games was ever a great moment. Jim taught me how to be a gracious rugby coach. No tough loss could ever get in the way of accepting defeat with honour. Jim had a finely tuned ethical compass and a totally warm heart. RIP Jim.

I graduated from Guelph more than 20 years ago and still share the incredible stories Dr. Atkinson told us during our animal nutrition classes. He was a remarkable prof, and an even kinder person. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones, and my gratitude for sharing him with all of us.

Such a shock. I had Jim as a professor, and later a colleague and friend. He was such an inspiration to everyone. He will be sadly missed. Our sincere sympathies. Linda Trouten-Radford

Dear Susan and family
My sincere condolences on Jim's passing last week.  He was a very special man and I feel blessed to have known him.
Janis Randall Simpson

Truly one of the best professors and humans I had the pleasure of learning from at UofG. He will be sorely missed. 

I am so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I met him during my Masters degree years at Guelph and worked with him on planning committees for the Guelph Nutrition conferences during the decades 90s, and 00s. We had many a laugh and good times over those years and feed industry events. Dave Steckley 

I took this photo of Jim while he was the men's coach in October 1994. I have such great respect for Jim and was lucky to play the first few years of women's club rugby at UofG with Jim as our guide. He ran with the ball up high singing Tom Cochrane's "Life is a highway" and I never hear that song without thinking of him. So many good jokes, so much fun to be around, and so much knowledge to share too. My thoughts are with his family and I too would like to thank them for sharing him with us.

Incredibly sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I will forever remember his infectious smile and lively spirit. I send Jim’s family much love. 
Godspeed, Dr. Atkinson. 

A fantastic teacher and lovely human being. Always a pleasure to attend a lecture and learn from an enthusiastic individual. After attending Guelph I worked as a keeper at Toronto Zoo and loved seeing Jim and being remembered. Rest in Peace. Many condolences to the family
Kim Meehan

Very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was always a bright spot on campus and very encouraging to me and my student writers.  

Dr. James or Jim (not Jimmy) Atkinson was a teacher, mentor, coach, friend, teammate, supervisor, disciplinarian, leader, standup comedian, teller of tale tales, and occasional a speaker from the mount!  Jim is one of the best people I have ever known, deep in both character and heart in everything he did. He helped and nurtured so many people that his name is spoken all around the world by friends and former students/players and not just in the beer-ups after a rugby match. After my father’s death in 1998, he was a friend, guidance counsellor, and surrogate father, as he was for many students attending school far away from their families. His never-ending commitment to supporting animal science and student athletics was second to none – and he did his best to remove unnecessary administrative red tape that often held back students and players. He was respected at the Zoo, on the pitch, on the sidelines, and in the classroom but most of all he was always the coach or the prof that we came to see when we returned to campus.   He made so many of our lives so much richer. I am so grateful to have known him for 45 years.

My deepest condolences to Susan, Rebecca and Daniel, and thank you so very much sharing him with the rest of us, for so many years!  


Jim was a mentor to me during our time running the United Way Campaigns on campus. He was a kind and generous and man, could he remember faces and names! It still astonishes me!!! I don't think there was anyone he met that didn't feel like his friend. I valued his leadership and friendship very much and am very saddened to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to all who knew him as I am certain he will be greatly missed. 

A small group of like minded women wanted to play rugby. He took notice of us in the athletic centre running and passing the ball and advocated for us to start a team. He went on to help coach us to our first OUWAA championships and help build the legacy of women’s rugby at Guelph today. 

Sending my condolences to the Atkinson family during this difficult time. Having had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim in a philanthropic capacity his caring and kind nature and desire to make a difference was evident. He will be greatly missed by so many and his legacy will forever live on through the impact he has on the Guelph community. 

Jimmy was original member of the Fat Props in Flip Flops…not because he was either fat nor a prop but couldn’t miss out on a good time. This was taken at Calgary Stampede 7’s in 1990 with Sleeman’s first sport sponsorship!
An epic weekend that raised a lifetime of stories, no arrests and at least one marriage. 
No better rugby man and all around gentleman…we are all a little less without him on the planet.RIP Jimmy 

On Behalf of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) we offer our deepest condolences to Jim's family. He was a truly outstanding faculty member who was fully and always invested in student success. He leaves a legacy of are very large number of graduates who benefitted from his knowledge, wisdom and caring. We are a better college because of Jim and the example he set and continues to set for all of us. He is deeply missed and we are all impacted by losing him. 
Rene Van Acker, Dean, OAC

OBITUARY

Dr. James "Jim" Atkinson

22 July, 1946 – 3 July, 2023

Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Dublin Chapel

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