JAMES (JIM) GORDON JONES

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JAMES (JIM) GORDON JONES March 23, 1952 - February 9, 2011 Jim died peacefully at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his partner of 27 years Colin Gerard Gruchy and by his many cousins and their partners and children including Ken and Karen Adderson, Bobby and Yvonne Everett, Cathy Everett and Rod Rolls, Diane and Wayne Hinkel, Noreen and Sid Katzen, Carol and Cliff Relf, Gayle and Ben Suveges and Linda Vogelsang. Jim graduated from Isaac Brock Junior High (Winnipeg 1967) and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (Winnipeg 1970). He then enrolled in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba. After taking two years off to work at Sears Department store, Jim graduated in 1977 with a BSC Honours Double Major in Botany and Zoology. In 1978 he began a PHD in Zoology at the University of Toronto. His supervisor was Dr. J. Bruce Falls and Jim did all of his research at the Wildlife Research Station in Algonquin Park. After graduation in 1987 Jim worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources on various Ministry initiatives including the book, Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America . In 1989 Jim returned to the University of Toronto to complete his Bachelor of Education where he specialized in Biology and Environmental Studies. Jim taught at North Toronto Collegiate Institute from 1990-1996. He then taught at Riverdale Collegiate Institute, Toronto, from 1996-2003 and was Department Head of Biology. In 2003 Jim transferred to Jarvis Collegiate Institute, Toronto, where he was the Curriculum Leader for Science until he became ill in the summer of 2009. Jim had a strong interest in all of the arts. He took great pleasure in writing fiction and poetry, and in the creation of his own artistic pieces: batiks, pastels and ceramics. He loved to travel and together with Colin he enjoyed numerous trips to their favourite destinations, including Palm Springs California, Ft. Lauderdale, and in particular, New York City. Jim had so much more to give as a dedicated teacher, a mentor, a developing artist, a caring friend and a loving partner. His legacy will endure through the successes of his students, in his many artworks and creative writing, and in the memories of all who knew and loved him. He was grateful to all of his students and for the kindness and support that many of them showed him during his illness. Very special thanks go to all of the staff from St. Michael's Hospital, in particular those in the Oncology Unit and the Palliative Care Unit. We would like to thank four great doctors who attended to Jim during his illness: Dr. Marshall, Dr. Simmons, Dr. Wei and Dr. Brezden-Masley. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Coach House Chapel of Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Michael's Hospital Oncology Unit or Palliative Care Unit would be greatly appreciated. Condolences - www.rosar-morrison.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2011