James (Jim) Alfred Start

James (Jim) Alfred Start passed away peacefully at Southbridge Pinewood Court on Thursday December 9, 2021 with his family by his side. Jim is lovingly remembered by his four children Bryon (Amy) Start, David (Tiffany) Start, Kathy (Chris) Lee and Linda (Mike) Linklater and many grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jim is also survived by his sister Ruth (Wynn) Crydermann, brother Bob (Melissa) Start and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 43 years Betty-Jean Start, his parents Frank and Ruth Start, brother Peter Start and his sister-in-law Arlene Start.

Born May 29, 1937 in Toronto, Ontario he was the second child of four to Frank and Ruth Start. In 1941 when Jim was four years old, the family moved to Port Arthur, Ontario where Jim continued to live. Jim and Betty-Jean bought their first home together on Hutton Park Drive where they raised their family together until Betty-Jean’s passing. Jim later moved into Chartwell in 2015 where he continued to make friends, always encouraging other residents to get up and dance, and then onto Southbridge Pinewood Court in 2018 until his last days.

Jim had different jobs throughout his life but most notably he worked as an Annex man with Richardson Terminals for 28 years retiring in 2001. Jim loved the outdoors and spent many summers at the family camp at Northern Light Lake with Betty Jean entertaining family and friends. Jim enjoyed being active and enjoyed hiking, going for walks, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Jim and Betty Jean loved to dance and following her passing he continued to lace up his dancing shoes whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Jim was known for his quiet disposition, kind heart and great sense of humour. Jim loved his family and all who knew him enjoyed his friendship. Jim had many interests in his lifetime obtaining his pilot’s license and scuba diving qualifications. Jim was an avid volunteer over the years where he was involved with the Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, 55 Plus Centre and the Sweet Adeline’s (Sounds of Superior).

Jim loved sports whether it was coaching his kids in soccer when they where little, cheering on his favourite team, Toronto Maple Leafs, bowling in a league with Betty Jean at Mario’s Bowl or watching his children and grandchildren play.

The Family would like to thank the staff at Southbridge Pinewood Court for their care and compassion in the last three years and especially at the end of his life.

A Celebration of his life with be held at Sargent and Son Funeral Home on Saturday December 18, 2021 beginning at 11:00 am. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens will occur at a later time. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to register on Jim’s page at www.sargentandson.com or call the funeral home 345-5351. Those wising to attend virtually may do so on the Sargent & Son Facebook page. The Family requests in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Thunder Bay or the Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.