James Robert Wilson

Mr. James R. “J.R.” Wilson, age 88 years, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 14, 2021 in Roseview Manor.

Jim was born in Timmins, Ontario, March 30, 1933. He graduated from Timmins High and Vocational School then attended the Haileybury School of Mines in Haileybury, Ontario. It was while at the School of Mines, he met his future wife Terry, the love of his life and they married in December 1954.

His career in mining took him to places across Canada from the Yukon to Newfoundland and places in between. He was an experienced and accomplished mining man who worked for some of Canada’s top mining companies where he supervised and later managed production and development projects. He started with Campbell Chibougamau Mines but spent most of his career with Noranda Mines, at the Mattagami Lake Mines and Mattabi Mines operations, followed by Newfoundland Zinc Mines, Canada Tungsten Mining and finally LynnGold Resources.

Jim was always active in his community, serving as president of the Mattagami Lions Club, Chairman of Ignace CIM, and Trustee on the Dryden School Board. He would later serve on the Yukon Territory Water Board and Yukon Chamber of Mines and Whitehorse Branch CIM.

In retirement, he settled down on an acreage in the Thunder Bay area where he enjoyed the slower paced lifestyle of the country. Jim was a handyman and putterer, always fixing or rescuing things, but always had time to welcome visitors for a chat. Jim and Terry took time for some adventurous travels, from walking jungle trails in Costa Rica to driving the back-country roads in Spain.

Jim loved sports, especially baseball. He was involved in organizing and coaching little league baseball and was an official umpire. He had a baseball park named after him, Wilson Park in Chibougamau. He was also an avid curler and was known to play some golf. He often tells the story of the world’s longest drive when he hit a ball into a boxcar of a passing train that probably ended up in Vancouver.

Jim was a dedicated family man, who was always there for his children, to mentor, encourage and support them. He was knowledgeable in world affairs and was able to impart words of wisdom to his children. He enjoyed taking the family out camping, an event that (almost always) involved a long road trip. He liked boating, fishing and hunting and often took the boys and the dog on long fishing and hunting trips. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his quad. He loved the outdoors.

Jim liked to keep himself busy with his hands. He had excellent carpentry skills and enjoyed spending time in his workshop building furniture for his family, including beds and desks for his children. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in any task he took on. He was especially proud of his impeccably landscaped yards in all the homes he lived in.

We will forever remember the big bear hugs he would give, whether we needed it or not, it was always so comforting to feel those big arms around us. We are comforted knowing that he is now reunited with his sweetheart Terry, who was his brown eyed girl and life partner. She predeceased him September 20, 2021.

We will forever cherish the many memories that he created for us and hold them close to our hearts. We know there are many peoples' lives that he touched with his smile and charisma! May they remember you fondly for that.

Jim is survived by 5 children, Steven, Debbie, Susan, Paul and Marc; 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren as well as brothers, Lowell and Earl and sisters, Marion and Sharon.

A special thanks to the staff at Southbridge Roseview Manor for their loving care and support to Jim and Terry during their final days.

The family will share plans for a Celebration of Life at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.


If friends so desire, donations may be made to PRO Kids or Heart and Stroke Foundation.