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Girardin James

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In Memory of James Girardin

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jim on October 18th, 2022.  He was a loving husband of Donna for 63 years, devoted Dad to Darin (Caroline) and Mandy (Scott), cherished “Poppy”/Grandpa to Anna, Fiona and Sarah, dear big brother of Grace (the late Murray) and the late Don (Sharon).

Jim was born in Leamington, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Windsor.  He was always proud of the fact that his parents were from Pelee Island, out in Lake Erie.   Jim will be remembered for his great sense of humor (always laughing) and his outgoing personality.   He used to say he got married young so he could eat all the ice cream he wanted.  He met his wife at a dance while in high school and they went to so many dances!  His Dad asked him why he did not find a girlfriend in Leamington, instead of driving the family car to Windsor, 32 miles away. He loved music, playing piano, cottage life at Lac du Cerf, golfing, tennis, dancing, jogging, curling, skiing, “couching”, feeding birds, and going too often to Princess Auto with his friends.  Jim had been a Cub leader, coached his son’s hockey and softball teams.  He was a long time member of the Cumberland Lions Club having served as Treasurer and President twice.  He was on the Cumberland Museum Board, President of Cumberland Tennis Club, etc. Jim retired from Revenue Canada, Customs & Excise in 1994 after 25 years of service.

Special thanks to staff at Madonna Long Term Home in Orleans.

Friends are invited to join family to Jim’s Celebration of Life at Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Road, Orléans, on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If desired, memorial donations to Alzheimers Research. Written remembrances of Jim to share with family would be appreciated.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.heritagefh.ca.      

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Condolences

Our sympathy goes out to Donna and her family.

What a lovely picture of Jim.
This is how we remember him, always with a smile.
Alan and Joanne P.

Jim and I went back a long way! He was one of my first friends from working together in Customs in the early 70’s and we spent years helping each other build cottages at Lac du Cerf, Quebec and then enjoying cottage life over the years. We have many memories of boating (including wrecking a boat on the rocks in Lac du Cerf!), sing songs around the cottage campfire, tours through the nature trail every year, and many good bbq’s and golf games. Jim encouraged us to purchase our first home in Queenswood Heights in 1970 and we were close friends ever since. His ever-good natured smiling happy presence will always be remembered fondly and missed, and we extend our condolences to Donna, Darin and Mandy.
Brian Brimble

To Donna, Darin, Mandy & Family Members,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. I first met Jim, when I became a member of the Cumberland Lions Club. He immediately made me feel welcomed with his warm smile and pleasant personality. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the club fund-raising activities that we participated in. Jim was alway quick to make us laugh with his jokes and keen sense of humour. Because of Lion Jim’s dedication as a member of the Cumberland Lions Club, the executive made him an Honourary Life Member. The few times we got out to enjoy a round of golf at the Bearbrook GC, with Brian McDonald, Ray Ball and Dave Shields, it always resulted in a number of laughs. What is that old saying about a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office. I remember one round of golf when Jim brought his driver on to the green to make a ten foot putt. When we checked his golf bag, he had three putters! I will forever cherish the good times, the fun and the laughter, that were shared with Jim and his many Lions friends. Please know that I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless.

Dear Donna and family,
It is with sadness that I read the passing of your husband.
Loosing someone you love is very hard. Please accept my
expressions of deep sadness and hope you keep well.
Raymonde Wolfe

Dear Donna and family
It is with deep sadness that I read the lost of your husband.
Accept my sympathies and my thoughts are with you and the family.

Raymonde Wolfe

I had not seen Jim in over 40 years but I remember him well for his pleasant smile and willingness to help. He was my first manager ( mentor really) in the Valuation Unit, Customs & Excise in the temporary buildings corner of Sussex and St Patrick streets.

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