James (Jim) McLeod

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, James Patrick McLeod, peacefully with family at his side, on Monday, March 27, 2017 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.

Jim was born on Hungry Hall Indian Reserve near Rainy River, Ont. to James Sr. and Josephine (born Godin), 97 years ago on Feb. 25, 1920.

When his mother Josephine passed away two days after his birth from 'flu complications, Indian Affairs placed him in foster care at Manitou Rapids IR 11. Between ages seven and 12, he lived and was schooled at the St. Marguerite's Indian Residential School at Agency IR 1 at Fort Frances, Ont.

His teenage years were spent trapping in the Quetico Park area, commercial fishing out of Ponema in Minnesota, and logging activities before he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces at the outset of World War II.

Fortunately, while passing through Montreal to head overseas with other enlistees, he was reassigned. Due to his heavy equipment operation experience, he worked with the Forestry Core for the duration of his enlistment to build roads and infrastructure at and around Canadian Forces bases in northern Quebec.

After the war, he worked at the J.A. Mathieu sawmill and Shevlin Yards sawmill before accepting employment with the Ontario and Minnesota Paper Company as a millwright, where he worked for 37 years before he took an early retirement at age 62.

He thoroughly enjoyed his 35 years of retirement.

Dad was well-known for his many years coaching hockey teams while the family lived in McIrvine, most of the players remaining friends of the family to this day.

He proudly watched as many games as he could; his sons, Wayne (Navy), Bruce (UMD), Murray (RRCC, Lakehead U., and Thunder Bay Twins), and Rod (Muskies) carried his love of hockey forward, as did many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It would be impossible to count the number of games that he and Jane watched over the years.

He also was a proud member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knights of Colombus, serving several years as Grand Knight of Rainy Lake Council #2766.

Jim and Jane (born Calder) raised six children. Jim is survived by his sons, Wayne (Rita) of Fort Frances, Ont., Bruce (Sande) of Denver, Colo., Murray (Nancy) of Thunder Bay, Ont., Rod (Delaine) of Fort Frances, Ont., and Jacko of Fort Frances, Ont.; and his brother-in-law, Gordon Calder and wife, Char.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Scott (Cherie) McLeod, Wendy (Leroy) Carpenter, Sandra (Matt) Weir, Leah (Peter Anderson) McLeod, Shannon (Eric) Rajala, Mark (Jill) McLeod, Sarah (Mark) Gilchrist, Laura McLeod, Dylan McLeod, Sydnee McLeod, Wyatt McLeod, Patrick McLeod, and Kurt McLeod; 14 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Jim will be greatly missed by his dear friends, cousin, Jean Camirand, and Jack Ducharme. He often said a man couldn't have two better friends.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jane; brother, Ed McLeod, and sisters, Isabelle (Allan), Margaret (Gladu), and Nellie (Tucker); as well as daughter, Cindy (Mayville).

The McLeod and Calder clans are so extensive, it can be said that his cousins, nieces, and nephews are virtually too numerous to mention, but they all knew him and his humour well during his lifetime.

Cremation has taken place.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, April 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Alan Albao officiating.

Internment, along with the remains of his wife, Jane, will take place at a private family ceremony at a later date.

The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will provide the Honour Guard.

The honorary pallbearers will be Wayne, Bruce, Murray, Rod, Jacko, Jean Camirand, and Jack Ducharme.

A lunch for family and friends will follow mass at the Fort Frances Canadian Legion (250 Church St.) and all are invited to attend.

If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the St. Mary's Church Roof Fund or to Riverside Health Care Facilities (Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home).