Today I learned that the man I admired more than anyone had died back in 2018.  What a shock, and what a shame that I never said good-bye.  I emigrated to Canada from Zambia in 1967 and worked a year before quitting that job.  Thanks to Tom Gledhill, I got hired by Bill (then at James and Buffam) the same day, and stayed in the firm until it wound up.   Bill and I shared so much - he taught me the Canadian Mining Business, we skied together, frequented the Tuesday Club, explored and laughed a lot.    I am truly sorry that it has taken so long for me to express my condolences to the family.

Hamish McGregor

To Bill James' family . I just learned of Bill's passing from seeing the Globe and Mail story on his life. Please accept my condolences and those and the Ludlow family. We met as neighbours in Lawrence Park, Toronto in the 1960's and my father, Basil, and Bill developed a strong and unique friendship. Bill was larger than life. I will always remember when, in 1971, I set off to attend university in England and Bill was on the same flight. Thanks to him I crossed the Atlantic in first class as his guest. More than anything else, however, I remember the last time I saw him. It was at my Dad's funeral in July 2012. With tears in his eyes, he gave me a hug and said what a wonderful friend my father had been to him. My father would say exactly the same thing about Bill .
So sorry to hear this news.


To The Family of BillJames:

I just found out about Bill's Passing .. Your father was a unique character, some one that wont be forgotten ! 
He was admired and respected by everyone in my office.
He will be missed !

Ron Pollock 

When I think of my father, Patrick (Paddy), I always remember his closest friend... Bill James.  Growing up he was so much fun to be around and we always looked forward to his visits.  He was my sister, Maureen's godfather and when we were small we would vacation at Balm Beach with the James.  Later he purchased a cottage on Lake Muskoka on the next bay from ours.  His visits always put a smile on my Dad's face.  

Thinking of his family and knowing  that these two great friends are together again.

Growing up down the street from Bill James was a great life lesson.  My parents were cautious people.  Bill was loud, engaging, adventurous and kind.  Even as kids we knew that Mr. James was living differently, more fully.  

He was a good friend to my father.  I remember fondly the elaborate practical jokes they played on each other.  They were not above stealing each others cars in broad daylight.  They had good times together.  

Now many years later... sometimes after a great dinner party, where the guests were outrageous and the kids sat on the steps in their pyjamas listening to the grown ups' laughter, I think of Bill James.  And I'm grateful for the lesson about embracing life and enjoying the company of friends. 

Sincerest condolences to you all.  Sarah Jane Flynn

Dear George and family,

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I'll always remember your dad's thoughtfulness and  generosity. 

When I was just starting out in my career, and quite often spending ski weekends with the  family at Osler Bluff, I could only afford the price of a tow ticket for Saturday, not both days.  On many Sunday mornings, I would awaken to find that your dad had already been to the lodge to pick up the newspaper and a tow ticket for me. 

He also insisted on helping with the cost of my purchasing Buddy the corgi,  which I tried to repay when Bud later came to live with me. He wouldn't hear of it, and came up with a complex formula involving the cost of the dog in relation to the expected longevity for the average dog minus the time I'd already missed having the dog. It was hard to argue with that. 

I recall him leading great dinner conversations with family and guests about everything from birds to business. Despite my youth and inexperience, he always made me feel I had something interesting to contribute, which did more for my confidence than he probably ever knew. I'm grateful to have known him. 

Thinking of you all at this difficult time,
Liane

 


"Uncle" Bill in my life starts as one of my earliest, happiest memories!   The Jewell family kids would all be warmly welcomed by Bill, who would make us all feel happy and included.    I have so many happy memories through the years:  visiting the James family in Lawrence Park and up at their old family cabin on Georgian Bay, then later when both families got cottages on Rowntree Beach, then later at special events and I will always treasure  that fantastic surprise party that Bill and JaLynn hosted for Paul and DeSanka's 40th anniversary. There were dinners and parties and so much fun and happiness.  There were so many lively discussions - since I was a child, no topic was off limits - we debated religion and politics, even!   Over the last few days, I keep remembering, like I can actually hear it, the sound of Bill's laugh - the best!   I heard it so many times.  Bill and my Dad, Paul, were such good friends, from way back to when their families were new, and it was great to see their friendship grow.    And then, when we all got older and Dad got sick, Bill was there, visiting his sick friend, and reminding him of the good times.   What a real friend.   And all while he bravely faced his own medical challenges ...

I was soothed today,  thinking of some words from the Beatles:
When I find myself in times of trouble, 
   Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness 
   she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
...
And when the broken hearted people 
   living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, 
   there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
...
Bon Voyage, Bill
May God bless you and keep you close.
We love you and we will miss you.
We have all lost a giant

Dear George. Rob and I extend our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of you father. May he live on through your happy memories. 
Anna & Rob Miller

OBITUARY

William James

February 5, 1929 – September 4, 2018

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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