‘He woke up happy every day’

Professor, scientist, husband and father believed in supporting those around him

By: Janine LeGal

There are those who believe true happiness and success come from being part of something bigger than the self. Dr. James (Jim) House understood and lived that philosophy.

“His goal was for everyone to rise together and accomplish things as a team,” said his wife, Aileen.

And that’s what he did, every day, in his work, his marriage, his family and his community. The professor, scientist, husband and father carried with him a genuine interest in supporting the next generation and elevating people’s comfort and spirits.

“Jim was, quite simply, the most beautiful soul you could ever imagine; he was truly the kindest person imaginable,” Aileen said.

“He walked through the world in kindness; he believed in people and wanted the best in people. If there was a way to be kinder, he found it. He really did change the world for so many people, none more than me. I am so proud of everything he represents.”

House died on Sept. 10, 2024, at age 57.

The professor and former head of food and human nutritional science at the University of Manitoba and past president of the Canadian Nutrition Society, was recently appointed Manitoba strategic research chair in sustainable protein.

With more than 100 journal publications, House’s long list of professional achievements and accolades includes the Centrum New Scientist Award, the University of Manitoba Outstanding Administrator Award, the Canadian Society of Animal Science Young Scientist Award and the 2024 Outstanding Leadership in Bioscience of the Year.

Globally renowned in the nutrition science field, House was committed to improving human health through extensive research and was widely sought-after as a speaker. His groundbreaking work contributed to further understanding of protein assessment and health outcomes. His time at the University of Guelph and the Hospital for Sick Children was particularly rewarding for him, knowing that premature infants had a better chance at a full life because of the work he did with his colleagues.

House was born in 1966 in St. Thomas, Ont. One of five children, he appreciated growing up in a big family in a small town. He was at his happiest at the family cottage in Bobcaygeon, Ont., where he spent every summer.

He obtained a BSc and PhD in animal science from Guelph University before completing his post-doctoral work at Memorial University of Newfoundland and ultimately accepting a tenured position at the University of Manitoba.

It was there that Erin Goldberg, research associate, food and human nutritional sciences, said House’s mentorship shaped her career and outlook.

“He taught me resilience, collaboration and compassion, not just in science but in everything I do. The hundreds (no doubt) of lives he touched through his kindness, guidance and brilliance are a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.”

Goldberg says House was more than a supervisor; he was also a mentor, a colleague and a cherished friend.

“He had an unparalleled ability to approach challenges with calmness and thoughtfulness, no matter how daunting they seemed. In the lab, he created an atmosphere of trust, respect and collaboration, where his infectious laugh and genuine kindness made everyone feel they belonged.”

Goldberg said what she appreciated most about her colleague was his unwavering belief in the people around him.

“He often joked to our lab about having ‘a lot of mouths to feed,’ referencing the many students and staff he employed, but those words carried deeper meaning. Jim cared deeply about all of us, not just as contributors to his work but as individuals with dreams and aspirations he genuinely wanted to nurture. His vision for science and his commitment to excellence were awe-inspiring, and he made it his mission to see those around him succeed.”

Goldberg says House was the kind of person everyone wanted to work for, as he avoided micromanaging his team.

“Instead, Jim placed immense trust in the people he chose to hire and collaborate with, fostering an environment where we felt empowered and inspired to do our best work. He gave us the autonomy to excel, and it was this trust and respect that made so many of us stay by his side for years,” she said, noting one lab technician worked with House for over 26 years.

Those qualities were there early on and didn’t go unnoticed when Aileen met her husband-to-be in the dorm where her closest friend lived.

“He was covered in freckles and had the widest, most inviting smile,” she recalled.

“From the first moment, I felt safe, joyful and always protected in his presence,” Aileen said. “I cannot express the light that just shone from him, you could tell how deeply good he was. We were friends for a number of years and started dating at 23. My parents loved him from the moment they met him.”

The couple married in 1996 and moved to Manitoba in 1998.

For decades, House enjoyed singing with the community-based Bison Men’s Chorus, made up of numerous students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Manitoba. His love of music provided the perfect balance to his pursuit of scientific advancement.

“He woke up happy every day and spent his working life connecting with his communities around the world,” said Aileen. “He never seemed to lose track of all of his research, his labs, his students, peers and colleagues across academia, the scientific community, private industry and government.”

Though House took his academic responsibilities seriously, he never missed an opportunity to enjoy the fun that comes with the holidays. Halloween was a favourite and he revelled in an array of costumes over the years — from Mickey Mouse and wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper to Little Orphan Annie, with a curly red wig and gingham mini-dress.

But it was becoming a father that brought the most joy to House.

“He was elated to meet Meara,” said Aileen. “He said he knew he was the luckiest man alive. He was so proud and couldn’t wait to show the world his Meara and show Meara his world.”

From the tasks of daily living, to research in the lab, to the long delayed trip the couple finally took to Paris the year before he died, House made the most and the best of all of it.

“Everything with Jim was fun and it was joyous. Everything about him was cosy, intimate and loving. We’d be doubled over laughing while cleaning out the garage together.

“Jim squeezed more joy into his 57 years than most people would in 100. I am so grateful for Jim and the life we had with him.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca