James Gerald Speak

It is with great sadness that we, Jim’s family, announce the passing James Gerald Speak. Jim, (Jamie) passed away on March 15th with his family holding his hand every step of the way.

Jim, (AKA Jamie), was the first child of four to Marilyn Campigotto and James Earl Speak Sr. He was born April 19, 1958. Being the oldest sibling Jim took on the role of the best protective big brother one could ever ask for. As children he would walk his siblings to and from school, defend them if need be, make sure they were taken care of and buy them gifts if he saw something, he thought they would like. He was always thinking about others and he had your back.
Jim had many talents and interests. He was a quick learner at anything he chose to do. You only had to show him once. Jim had taken guitar lessons as a youth and would continue with playing the guitar throughout his lifetime. He loved music…. any music but specifically rock and roll and the 60’s oldies. He prided himself when he was younger on always having nothing but the best in stereo sound systems so he could play his music LOUD.

HOCKEY and sports. Jim loved watching and playing hockey. He just loved being active. He was fast on the ice and enjoyed playing night hockey with all his hockey buds. He was a natural in his athletic abilities.

He could draw animals and people effortlessly which he did a fair amount of when in the hospital after a motorcycle accident. He was always on the move so because he was immobile at the time, so he had no choice but to be still and used that time to hone his artistic skills.

Motorcycles and trucks. What can I say? Anyone that knew Jim knows of his love for motorcycles. Not only was he a skilled rider, but he also enjoyed motorcycle ice racing on Lake Superior.

Jim loved the outdoors. Up until his last days his intentions were to go fishing again with Seppo, a long-time family friend who was like a big brother to Jim. Seppo would take Jim to remote areas to summer fish, but they mostly went ice fishing. They would go fishing in -50 degree weather, although he said he may not go when it was that cold again…. minus forty would probably be ok for Jim. Jim would hunt and you never knew what type of roast you were eating when he invited you over for roast dinner.

Jim was married to Heather McDonald, who, up to his last days kept a close bond with. They have a beautiful, handsome boy named Parker James. He was so proud of his newborn and would enjoy roller blading around Boulevard Lake pushing Parker in a funky stroller.

Jim loved his family. He was so proud of Parker and would take Parker to visit he aunts and uncles to show off his beautiful boy. Parker and Jim were like two peas in a pod. They tried to see each other daily. Jim had no problem telling Parker and family members that he loved them on a regular, daily basis…….and we loved him back just as much.

Jim was smart and could take in information, retain it and would want to share his knowledge to anyone who would listen. He loved interacting with people, children, and animals…. a lot like his father. He sure could talk up a storm and loved story telling of all his adventures which he had plenty of.

The things that were most dear to Jim were family and friends. He valued our family picnics and gatherings with our aunts, uncles, and cousins. He just loved being around all of his family.

Jim will be dearly missed by all his family and many, many friends.

Jim told his mom he wanted his epitaph to be “PEACE AT LAST”. We can be comforted knowing that he is at peace at last.

On behalf of Jim’s family, we want to say a special thank you to the ICU nurses and doctors that cared for our Jim. They went above and beyond. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Jim was welcomed by his father, James Earl Speak, his niece Lacey Speak and many aunt, uncles and grandparents when he passed over to his heavenly home, free of pain. He is survived by his son and friend, Parker and Heather Speak, mother and stepfather, Marilyn and Art Campigotto, brother, Tim Speak, (Pauline Kuper), sisters Beverly Mullings, (Cordell) and Lorna Kalibatas, (Steve) and niece, Farran Speak as well as many aunts, uncles and friends.
In lieu of flowers please go to Farran Speak or Beverly Mullings GoFundMe page. Jim loved his great nephew’s. The GoFundMe is an education fund for his great nephew’s, Daniel and Mathew Cunningham.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, TBA. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 332 North May Street, Thunder Bay.