I loved this guy-he took me trawling cemeteries and seeing parts of Hamilton I never saw before and I am 77.  His knowledge of Hamilton was impressive.  One time we saw a headstone that was just a block with the name Jim-had a laugh cause my hubby has the same name-and as it happens He right now is on his deathbed sadly.  He will/would be 80 on boxing day.  How unkind life can be sometimes.

I thought I would wait before adding my thoughts about my friend and maybe that would make it easier. It hasn't. 
Jim was a wonderful and genuine person whose enthusiasm for most things was infectious. Before covid, we would meet at Tim's every couple of weeks and talk about coins, his family, and photography. We had a lot in common (my daughter is a professional photographer) and I knew his Father (a professional coin dealer) so there was never a dull moment. Jim was a kind and compassionate man but he didn't suffer fools. I greatly miss him and our talks.

Rest in peace, my friend.
Scott E Douglas

Damn it. Just found out today. Fair winds and following seas, old man. Glad i had the opportunity to reconnect. Keith.

I received these words from Jim for inspiration on my artworks.

I met Jim just after I retired and our love of historic architecture was the defining point of our friendship and partnership. He helped setup a virtual Hamilton in 1860 called Second Life, we took a tour together and it was just the coolest experience promenading through Gore Park and surrounding buildings.

Please accept my condolences about Jim's sad passing.  I always enjoyed talking to him about local history. We last chatted in November about a "Flashbacks" column I was working on for The Spectator. He was always so willing to help out with information and pass on his photos. He loved Hamilton's heritage and was very passionate about taking pictures of buildings that reflected it.  He will be missed. 

A simple post on line and a man pops up offering to help me discover age of my house.  He coulda been anybody!  Next he drops a picture off of my house and suggests we plan a drive.  That was it!  We were friends from that day.  I got excited when he called me about a new adventure!  He opened my eyes and woke my senses about my home city in his own unassuming way.  There are new pictures ahead for you my friend!  You ain't seen nothing yet!


I met Jim years ago but only after his journey with cancer began that we became close and personal. We would meet for coffee and talk about our journeys. He was never down and would take any drugs to keep going. We became Cancer buddies and would laugh and laugh about the absurdities of life.  I will miss my coffee time with him but I will miss him and his spirit the most. R.I.P. 

Jim made a great place to hang out and learn about our city.  Damn

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  He had a wealth of information and offered a treasure trove of photos and stories about Hamilton's history and it's architecture.   I'm a member of a few of the Facebook Groups he contributed to.  He was a great ambassador for our city, his insight and historical knowledge will be dearly missed. 

My sincerest condolences to Jim's family and friends.




My dearest condolences to the family of Jim. 

Jim was a guiding light into my career change into heritage architecture, and offered me many words of wisdom. I hope he is resting peacefully, and the family is in my thoughts and prayers. 

Alex Tlalka 

James was a well loved character at Staples on Barton! I remember him agreeing to doing a photo shoot for an event at our store! He played the “customer” what a sport! Always full of encouragement and information! Miss ya James! RIP

James was a wonderful man and a most genial person. I first met him at my work where we would print his photos and have never met a more passionate nor sweeter person than James. He loved photography and his style was the most lovely. Keeping alive the history of Hamilton, his visits to print his photos would result in a rich history lesson, chat, and story of the particular building in the photo. Every single interaction with James was nothing less than positive or joyful. I will miss him and his talks, but happily hang two of his photos in my house as he was a generous friend whose art I admired so greatly, he gave me two photos. I cherish them more so now than ever. Thank you James.

My condolences 🙏 to the family.
I met James while working at Staples at the centre mall. He was one of our favorite customers. We all loved him dearly ❤️ May he rest in peace


No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. He was one of the nicest person I have ever met. Please accept my condolences. 

OBITUARY

James Richard Charlton

8 July, 1946 – 24 December, 2022

Markey-Dermody Funeral Home

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