Jim was born and raised in South Western Ontario. He graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston with a degree in Civil Engineering. He pursued a career as an Infantry Officer, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he filled senior command and staff appointments in many locations within Canada and around the world. Upon leaving the Armed Forces, he was General Manager of a retail and service corporation operating within the university sector (University of Western Ontario), and sat on three different national corporate boards and trusts.
Upon retirement in 2001, he and his wife Anita settled in Georgian Bay Township on a permanent basis. Before 2001, Jim and Anita had been cottagers in the Township since 1971. They have four adult children: three sons (Mark, Brent and Sean) and three lovely daughters-in-law (Samieh, Tracy and Joelle) and a daughter, Riisa, who is finishing her Ph.D. at McMaster.
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| From left to right: Sean, Riisa, Anita, Mark, Jim, Brent |
PERSONAL INTERESTS
I enjoy an eclectic mix of activities and hobbies. I read the newspaper daily. In fact this is a requirement, since I have a deep-seated need to remain current on the full range of national and international news as well as business, sports, human interest, entertainment, etc. I have braved many snowstorms to get a newspaper. I am also an avid CBC radio listener. My taste in music is broad, ranging from pop to classical. My taste in movies is comedies and “chick flicks” with happy endings. In spite of my military background I do not like war movies. I have lived that life and served my country with distinction but am not entertained by war.
I am fond of people and like being part of a crowd. I enjoy going to Canada’s Wonderland, fall fairs and a variety of exhibitions. I also like to be in the workplace. I do not, however, enjoy being around people that are negative or “glass half empty” types. I am a “can do” kind of person and an eternal optimist.
I have lived a hard, physical life. I was in the Combat Arms, Infantry to be precise. I am a paratrooper with many military jumps and a qualified US Green Beret (A Team leader). In my military career, I have done many exciting things in various climates from the extremely hot to the high Artic and from mountains to mangrove swamps. I served in many different parts of the world including Cyprus and Vietnam. As an officer, I was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for outstanding service. The military has provided me with knowledge and values I have carried with me throughout my life. My travels and experiences have offered me a fine understanding of diversity. Above all, I am a humanist. I take great pride in my family and hold my wife and children above all else.
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| The whole family. |
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Member – St Andrews Presbyterian Church Choir - Coldwater
- Member – Georgian Bay Township Historical Society
- Member – Coldwater Curling Club
- Member – Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Member – Huronia Woodlot Owners Association
- Member – Honey Harbour Co-operative, Inc
- Member – Huronia Foundation for the Arts
- Member – Drayton Entertainment Group
- Member – Gloucester Pool Cottager’s Association
- Member – NATO Defence College Anciennes Association
- Past Board Member – The Royal Canadian Regiment Association (Treasurer)
- Past Member – The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum Capital Fundraising Committee
- Past Board Member – The Royal Canadian Regiment Trust (Vice Chairman)
- Past Chairman – The Campus Trust
- Senate Member - 4th Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment
