James ("Jim") Bishop, age 89, passed away 26 December 2018, in hospice in Kelowna with soulmate Lorraine Milton at his side.
In 2012, he was predeceased by his loving wife Joyce Marigold to whom he was married for over 50 years. Jim was born and raised in Fort William to Charles Rosario "Rosy" Levesque and Alice Payette. In his youth he spent much time in the bush and at his Uncle Russ McKecknie's sawmill, obtained his private pilot's licence, and ran a small dairy farm with his brother Ed.
He was known for his hard work ethic and began a teaching career in a one-room school near Fort William where he fired up the woodstove before driving the bus to pick up students. He spent many years teaching at all levels and in school administration throughout Ontario and in Florida before retiring in December 1986. He graduated from North Bay Normal School with his teaching certificate, from Queen's University with a bachelor's degree, and Lakehead University with a master's degree, both in Education. After retirement, he continued to show his love for learning by completing a Master's of Theology from The University of Winnipeg and then, at the age of 87, a PhD in Theology from Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, RSA in association with the Greenwich School of Theology, UK.
Jim was happy being with family and friends, spending summers at the family camp in Silver Mountain entertaining everyone with his oft exaggerated and numerous stories. He enjoyed cribbage, canoeing, reading, and travelling. He also enjoyed writing and published a few short article versions of some of his stories. His youthfulness, love for life, and laughter will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends. He was a long-time member of St. Patrick's Cathedral parish and of the Knights of Columbus.
Jim is deeply missed by Lorraine, and his sons Joe (Nola) of Ypsilanti, Michigan and Martin (Corinne) of Thunder Bay, and daughter Carol (Doug) Williams of Cambridge; grandchildren Kaia, Courtney, Jimmy, Katie, Diana, Tyler, Jay, Jami, and Sebastien; and six great-grandchildren. He is also deeply missed by sister Rosaire Lidkea and cousins Dawn Eccles, Barb Eccles and Ken MacIntosh all of Thunder Bay, and longtime friends Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla v.g. (Thunder Bay) and Rev. Allan Savage (Elliot Lake). He was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters Betty, Art, Ed, Blanche, and Alfreda as well as several brothers- and sisters-in-law, numerous cousins including Jim Eccles, two grandchildren, and other relatives.
Per his request, he has been cremated and a small service and celebration of life will take place in Kelowna. Funeral, Interment, and a family gathering near Thunder Bay will occur at a later date.
