James "Jim" Brian Best

Jim leaves behind his loving wife Rosemary (née Austin); their children Leslie McLeod (Dennis), Howard Best (Cyndy), Greg Best (Beth), and Matt Best. Dear Grandfather of Dan McLeod, Matthew McLeod (Nicole), Stephen McLeod (Ashley), Robyn Petryshyn (Bryan), James Best, Stephanie Jackson (Jason), Erica Best (Nick), Bradley Best (Alexandra), Jaelyn Best and Great-Grandfather of Nova Rose McLeod, Ayla McLeod, and Elyse Petryshyn. Beloved brother-in-law of Nancy and Fred Dayman. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Howard Best and Gladys Millar Best, his twin brother Charlie Best (2021), sister-in-law Marian Proctor (2016), and brother Robert "Bob" Best (2019) (Marilyn), father and mother-in-law Leslie and Miriam "May" Austin, sister-in-law Carole Ford (2016), brother-in-law Jim Ford (2023) nephew Kenneth Ford (1981), brother-in-law Edward "Ted" Austin (2020), sister-in-law Carol Austin (2021), nephew William "Bill" Austin (2017), sister-in-law Shirley Hammer (2022), and brother-in-law Gordon "Sonny" Hammer (2020). He will be sadly missed by his many nephews and nieces, extended family and friends.

Born and raised in Fonthill, Jim had a long and successful career with Union Carbide. His retirement years were spent enjoying golfing, woodworking, gardening, walks with Rosemary and their beloved dogs (Rambo, Gil, Callie) on the Haist farm, many trips across the pond to England, morning coffee at the Grill on Canboro with friends, the “Jim Club”, and spending time with family.

The family is thankful for the care Jim received by the staff at the Orchards of Vineland.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes cremation has taken place through Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel. Donations may be made in Jim’s honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society of Niagara Region, or the Niagara SPCA (Welland). Please share a story or memory below for Jim's family.