Passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2023 in his 80th year surrounded by family
and loved ones. Beloved spouse of Lenore (nee Bower) for 56 years, and loving father to
James (Suzanne) and Len (Kim). Cherished brother of Joyce Dunbrack (Fred) and Ross
Watkins. Proud grandfather of Katie, Wyatt, Ryan, Jason, Quinnlyn and Chelsea.
Jim was an employee of Dofasco for 25+ years and a longtime band member. He played the
trumpet with Silver Swing, Dixieland Plus, The Dundas Concert Band and The George Arnone
Big Band and this was his passion and joy.
Jim’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Cancer Assistance Program for all
their support during this difficult time, and gratefully acknowledge Kristen Hallett and Fred and
Joyce Dunbrack for their loving care and compassion. They would also like to thank all those
who came to spend time with Jim and cared for him in his final days.
Family and friends are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Sunday,
November 19th from 12 to 2 and from 4 to 6 for a visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory to the Cancer Assistance Program at
cancerassist.ca or An Instrument for Every Child (AIFEC) at hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
We were shocked & saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
What a guy. Great musician. Lots of knowledge. Jim enjoyed all types of music. He even hosted practices in the back yard in the summer. He certainly will be missed by all his many band mates and music friends. He loved music and will be playing with the big names now. Rip my friend.
Jim was a great mentor and support in all the bands he played in.
He was a great ballad soloist with Silver Swing.
We will miss him.
Sorry to lose him.
Jim was a very talented musician and respected by all who played in bands with him.
We’ll miss his sense of humour and enthusiasm, but most of all his friendship.
Our thoughts are with you, Lenore, Lenny, Jimmy and your families. ❤️
Such very very sad news indeed.. Although we had lost contact many years ago I have some of my most cherished musical memories playing with Jim with our Delta.S.S. band and our dance band the Dell-Tones in the Hamilton area in the 50’s and early 60’s. Kind regards to Lenore and family. Sincerely, Ron
Dearest Lenore, Jim, Len, Joyce, Fred, Suzanne and all the grandkids…
My heart is broken hearing this news. I recently had a chance to see Jim at one of my gigs a couple years ago. He and Lenore and Fred came out to see us. It was such a lovely surprise.
Jin Watkins was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. I grew up with this family and am proud to say call them my life-long friends.
My deepest condolences to Lenore, Jim, Len, Joyce, Fred and all the grandkids…Deeply saddened by this. May he rest in God’s strong arms. RIP Jim Watkins. You will always be remembered. xo
So sad for the sudden loss of your husband, father and friend to many. I will always remember him as a supportive and encouraging father at our soccer games. I also experienced his love of his trumpet at an outdoor concert. He will be deeply missed!
It was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I played in many of the same bands.
He was such a great trumpet player and also a good friend and a gentleman.
My deepest condolences to Lenore and family.
Sending our deepest condolences to Len, Kim and entire family upon hearing of your father Jim’s death.
Jim will always be remembered by the Kilbride School community for sharing his amazing trumpet skills with us and playing the Last Post and Reveille at our Remembrance Day assemblies. This was the highlight of the event and everyone looked forward to it.
I have also been an avid admirer and collector of Jim’s beautifully carved hand made boxes over the years. These cherished boxes will hold an extra special memory for me along with hearing the trumpet playing every November.
Jim was so much fun to play with, and so talented. He had a spark and a wonderful, warm sense of humour. I’m so grateful for getting to play with him in over the last 8 or 9 years!
My sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Watkins. I remember he and Mrs. Watkins always making me feel so welcome in their home when we would all come over to hang out with Len and Jimmy. He was such a kind man who was very proud of his boys. May his memory be a comfort and a blessing during this sad time.
My sincere condolences to you and the family Lenore. Thinking of you today. Love Berns
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I will always remember his kindness and Lenore as well. Joyce and Fred I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Jim 😢
To my favorite patients,
Lenore, I am so sadened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a lovely man to talk with and I thank him for his kindness each time I encountered him. Taking the time to talk with me always making sure everyone and everything was okay. Big hugs today to you and the family, please also share with Jimmy my condolences. My dad and I will think of him fondly when we reminisce about yours and his journey together in recovery.
Love Kim Peranich and my dad Richard Gobbett xoxo
To Lenore and Family,
So very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. We always greeted each other with “Hi Jimmy”, “Hi Nicky.” Very special. Just a wonderful person to know and to to be part of a band with. A very fond memory was when we played with the George Arnone Big Band for Jim’s father Stan at his 80th birthday party. It was in the CNIB building when it was located on Main Street West. Such a nice time celebrating Stan’s 80th and now Jim joins his Dad in his 80th year. God bless you always my friend and wishing strength and courage to Lenore and family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. My sincere condolences.
Sincerely,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was an incredible trumpet player and a very kind man. My condolences to the family.
Dear Lenore and family
Many years have passed since you and Jim and your 2 little sons were in my home on the Hamilton west mountain…..in the 70’s…….a life time ago…….but I remember.
I also remember you, Lenore, talking about your husband Jim and about your concern about his family’s history of heart disease……….did that really happen???? or does my memory betray me.
So very sorry to read in the Hamilton Spectator that Jim has passed after a difficult time, cancer related. I hope and pray for easier moments ahead for you, if at all possible……….if not today…….maybe tomorrow …….:and for your sons and their families…….
My sincere condolences
Marie Homer