In Memory of James Robert Virgin
James Robert Virgin, age 89, went home to Heaven at 3am on March 31st, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer. Jim was born in Rawalpindi, India (now Pakistan) December 9th, 1935, and spent his first 16 years in India, mainly in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. He attended Woodstock School in Landour – Mussoorie. At age 16, he came to Canada, where he was accredited education equivalency, completed high school and attended Ryerson University.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Dr. William John Virgin, his mother Zelma May Virgin (Crone), brother Alan William Virgin (buried in India) and sister Helen May Flanagan (Gordon).
He leaves behind his wife of 63 years Gail Virgin (McAlpine), two daughters Pamela Gail Steeves (Dean) and Nancy Elizabeth Virgin (Phil Lee) and son, Robert Douglas Virgin (Debbie), brother William Dale Virgin (Barbara) and Douglas John Virgin (Valorie); grandsons Brad Steeves, Craig Steeves (Joyce), great-granddaughter Eleanor (Nora) Steeves; granddaughter Alysha Lee, grandson Gavin Lee; grandsons Bryan and Chris Surette, great-grandson Camille Surette, granddaughter Isabel and grandson Zachary.
A celebration of life will be held at Bilberry Creek Baptist Church in Orleans, (480 Charlemagne Blvd), at 10am, May 3rd, 2025. A reception will be held at the Church at 11:00am, with internment to follow at the Dale Cemetery at 12:30pm. A karaoke celebration will be held on May 3rd at 7pm at Dave’s Bar (old Ralph’s) 1990 Russell Road, Ottawa.
Note that, though not mandatory, Hawaiian/Caribbean style shirts are strongly encouraged!
Coming from a musical family, it is no surprise Jim was so well known in Ottawa for his music. While teaching electricity and electronics at High School, Jim created Virtronics Disc Jockey Service in the mid-60’s, that served dozens of young people with entertaining employment for over 4 decades (his kids, his kid’s friends, and even his wife too!). He then started A-Sharp Sing-A-Long in the early 90’s and introduced Ottawa to the world of Karaoke. His employees, friends and followers often refer to him as the “Father of Karaoke”, a passion he kept up with until the end.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Billberry Creek Baptist Church would be most welcome.
We used to stay with Uncle Jim and Aunt Gail sometimes during summer holidays. They had the cool Canadian Monopoly, cool cars and Uncle Jim would take his glass eye out to make us squeal. I would tell my friends he had a car that could drive on water.. Betcha he’s driving even cooler cars in heaven and teaching the angels karaoke. You will be missed Uncle Jim
I watch the kids for Gail and Jim. And I meet my partner there Jim was Peter teacher. I sending my love to all of you much love.
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing.
My condolences to Gail, Nancy, Bob, Debbie and Phil and the rest of his family and friends. And of course his Karaoke family.
Gail, Pam, Nancy and Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of Mr Virgin and the whole family. Lots and lots of music. I amaze people to this day with all the music i know and it’s all because of Virtronics. The amphi car! Driving to the dairy queen in the reverse facing seat in the back of the station wagon. Soooo many sleep overs. Mr Virgin was there through it all. Rest in peace
Frances Bloom
My heart goes out.
Maybe Jim and dad are having a drink together. Talking about what was and having a party of their own.
One day Jim, we’ll sing Phantom of the opera, again.
Our sincere condolences to Gail and the family. As many of the community in the 70’s Jim played at our wedding in 1973 and I later got to know him through my footcare business. Jim always had lots of stories of the past to share. I know he loved and identified with his Karaoke business and would have done it until he passed if he physically could have. Rest in Peace Jim and may you have all the Karaoke you want.
https://youtube.com/live/XaLlbqQWEO8?feature=share
Link for Jim’s Celebration of Life May 3rd 10am.
Lovely to know Jim over the years. It’s as though time never passed. Miss him. Love, Maggie
We send our heartfelt thanks to Jim for his love of music, and the happiness and joy he brought to all of us through his hosting of karaoke. It was thanks to Jim that so many of us met so many years ago, and made lifelong friendships or even met our partners. Jim’s love of music, singing and camaraderie have left an indelible and positive mark on so many of us. After he retired from active regular hosting, we often had the pleasure of seeing Jim at other karaokes, and his warm personality, infectious smile and strong voice continued to inspire us. Jim always made all of us feel welcome, was a fine gentleman and cherished friend, and will be missed.
We send our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts and prayers to Gail and the family at this difficult time, and hope that knowing that your husband and father, or brother, will be remembered as a wonderful man that meant so much to so many.
While Bruce and I were regrettably unable to attend this morning’s Celebration of Life due to illness, we were there in spirit, and thank you for live streaming the ceremony so that we could participate virtually. God Bless you all.