Obituary of James Walter Black

Passed away peacefully at Broadview Nursing Centre on Monday, June 3, 2024 at the age of 92.  Jim was the son of the late Vernon and Chrystina (nee Brown). He is also predeceased by his son Paul, his brother William and his sister Donna and her husband Norman. Jim was also predeceased by his first wife Paulie (nee Gratton).  Jim will be lovingly remembered by his second wife Alice Black (nee Job) and his two children, son John (Bernadette) and daughter Julie. He was a cherished grandfather of Dylan (Megan), Keillor (Melissa), Jillian (Stian) and proud great-grandfather of Kylie and Lilly.  Jim will also be sadly missed by Alice’s children, Rendell, Jane (the late Carl), Rob and David (the late Shannon), as well as her grandchildren, Christine (Vinod), Carolyn (Abe), Hilary, Turner (Janelle) and Richard and great grandchildren, Simi and Sachin. Also left to mourn this loss are Alice’s sister Dot (Dick) Haislet, her brother Rendell (Sharon), and his sister-in-law Marlene Black and sister-in-law Lorraine Fournier and their families.  Jim was also predeceased by his sister-in-law Martha Milne and Marion Lillycrop.  

Jim was a proud graduate of University of Alberta Engineering (Civil 1952) and he dedicated his career to the National Research Council. He spent many happy years singing with Capital City Chorus in Ottawa and then with the Mellowdears throughout the Ottawa Valley. He was a dedicated volunteer, including serving as warden with Holy Trinity Church in Lombardy. Jim delighted in making people laugh, be they his grandkids or his caregivers or strangers at the Tim Horton’s. His consistently even temperament was his most enduring and remarked-upon trait. As was how much he liked to win at cards.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and PSW’s for their extraordinary care of Jim in his final years at Broadview Nursing Centre.  Their care of Jim prior to, during and post-covid was exceptional.

Friends may pay their respects at Blair & Son Funeral Home, Smiths Falls on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service to celebrate his wonderful life in the Chapel at 12 o’clock.  A reception will follow the service, with interment taking place for family at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Lombardy.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Cemetery or the Lanark County Alzheimer Society.