Jim Holton

Dearly beloved husband and best friend of Mary Lynne since 1971.

Devoted and proud father to his three daughters, Tara-Lynne Lockhart (Nathan Lockhart), Diana Holton and Laura Holton, and a doting grandfather to Grace and Cameron Lockhart.

Much loved son-in-law to Audrey Stewart and the late Lyall Stewart. Dear brother-in-law to Cheryl Richardson (Bob) and loving uncle to Lisa (Phil Kibsey) and Lyall. Predeceased by his parents Peggy and Alfred Holton and half-sisters, Sylvia Grant and Elsie Black.

Jim was born in Beeston, Nottingham, England but grew up from his early teen years in Ottawa. A graduate of Rideau High School and the Ottawa Teachers' College, he attained a BA in Political Science from Carleton University and a Masters of Education from the University of Ottawa.

Active in scouting as a boy, he was proud of attaining the highest level of achievement, the Queen's Scout award. This was the beginning of his long love with the outdoors. Jim was happiest when he was spending time with friends and family at the cottage. He was an avid camper, and enjoyed water sports of all kinds, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, underwater hockey, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Jim played soccer for many years, enjoyed volleyball, skiing and later in life a bit of golf.

Throughout his life and in retirement he loved traveling – especially his three trips to Australia.

Jim was a longtime educator with the Ottawa Carleton District School board, which included one year on a teacher exchange to Australia. He especially loved teaching younger children, and later became vice-principal. He was a treasured colleague to many, and had the opportunity to mentor many new teachers. He was an active volunteer and leader with many organizations, including Rideau Park United Church and his local community association. He was also a founding member of the Canonto Lake Cottagers' association.

Jim has been cremated, arrangements entrusted to McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel. A memorial service honouring his life will be held at Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Drive), on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:30 pm. Visitation will also be held at Rideau Park United Church on Friday, March 25 from 7 – 9 pm. Please register for the funeral by clicking on this web address: https://www.rideaupark.ca/event/funeral-service-for-jim-holton-in-sanctuary-and-webcast/edate/2022-03-26/. The service will also be available by live stream for all to view. Please click on the link at the bottom of the obituary (located under "Services").

Special thank you to the staff at Garry J. Armstrong Long Term Care (third floor), especially RN Nancy, for their excellent care of Jim for over two and a half years.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Jim's life can make a donation in his name to Rideau Park United Church, the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority or Diabetes Canada.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, friendliness and patience. He was well known for serving his famous oatmeal pancakes on many occasions, so it is fitting that he passed away on Shrove Tuesday, a day when people gather to enjoy pancakes together.

Jim is released now from his dementia. He will be missed by many friends, family and colleagues, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he has met.

Forever Loved.