Art has concluded his decade long struggle with Alzheimer Disease, in his home at the Ridgeview Long Term Care, on June 25th, 2021. Art is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn (nee McCartney) and by his son Kevin (Paulette) James of Rockton, as well as daughters Janice (Paul) Mitchell of Uniondale Ontario, Joanne (Barry) Dawson of Fort Qu’Appelle Saskatchewan and Kristine (George) Leach of Mount Hope Ontario.
Also survived by grandchildren Vicky and Kirk James; Effie (Mathew) Koshy, Russ, Keith and Natalie (Mauro) Mitchell; Justin and Ryan (Makayla) Dawson, Amanda (Shad) Gulbranson and Ashlee (Kyle) Gurr; Branden and Tyler (Cortney) Leach plus 8 great-grandchildren.
Art was the youngest and last surviving child of Vera and Gordon James. He was predeceased by brothers Bert (Dorothy), Carl “Rusty” James and sisters Marion (Ken) Hood and Dorothy (Alec) Mackenzie. He is survived by his in-laws Myrna James, Ken (Chris) McCartney and Karen (Mike) Landers, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Born on the family farm, during a blizzard, Art lived most of his adult life in the village of Rockton. As a general contractor, Art worked on hundreds of new construction and renovation projects, eventually partnering with his son to form KevArt Construction. Art and Carolyn were very active in their community, as members of Rockton United Church and filling many positions in support of the Rockton’s World Fair which included Art serving a term as President of the fair board. Art had a 40 year career as a volunteer firefighter which saw Art rise to the rank of Fire Chief at the Rockton Fire Station.
A real life “Red Green”, Art was known for his innovative repair jobs and inventions, most of which invariably included duct tape. He leaves behind a large collection of miscellaneous items and half finished projects, many of which are of unknown origin, value or purpose. His outgoing personality along with his spontaneous approach to life plus genuine interest in other people, allowed Art to make friends easily and permanently. He could always be relied on for a warm greeting and helping hand.
A testimony to his character is this; “Art James is a man who gave more than he took and leaves this world a better place because he was here.”
The family wish to thank the staff at Ridgeview LTC Home, especially Rev. Lola and nurse Kenroy. Due to COVID restrictions, a private family funeral will be held on June 30th. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations, in Art’s memory, to: Friends of St. Alban’s Church and the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton, Halton
My sincere condolences goes out to the family and friends. Art was a long standing customer when I owned the Cookhouse Restaurant. Also a smile, always supportive and happy. Your all in our thoughts and prayers
My sincerest condolences to the James’s family.
So sad he’s gone to their other world. I never really knew him but I remember his family. May you rest in piece. I’m sure you will always be remembered. Love Lynda jack and family (Mckenna}
Our sincerest condolences to the James family. He will be dancing to I’m a country boy for eternity with a smile from ear to ear.
Our deepest sympathy to Carolyn and family. Art could always be counted on to liven up the James family picnic! You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve his loss but also smile at many happy memories.
Dave and I send our condolences to Carolyn and family. I never saw Art without a smile. We were bad actors together in Rockton Agricultural Society Dinner Theatre. He was always happy and positive. Art was one of those rare individuals who made you feel good as soon as you saw him. I remember him riding his bike around Rockton Fair stopping for a chat with friends and neighbours. May happy memories of the past bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to Carolyn and family. Many fond memories of Rockton days.
Our sincere condolences to Janice and her family. May the memories or your Dad/Grandfather comfort you. Sounds like he was a great man. Love from Luanne, Rob and Dakoda
Sincere condolences to Carolyn and family. He will be missed. He and Kevin did great work on my house.
My sincere condolences to Art’s family. As Fire Chief in Flamborough, I had the pleasure of working with Art in the fire service for many years. May he Rest In Peace. Life well lived!
Sorry to learn of Art’s passing and our sincere condolences go out to Carolyn and all the family. Art was a fun-loving, outgoing, personality-plus type of guy – just a joy to be around. His sense of humour was second-to-none and he will be missed, but never forgotten.
John & Marilyn (James) Stubbs
Art was always a pleasure to see at Turkstra lumber, always a kind word or comment and easy to like, I was saddened to hear about his illness when Kevin told me 10 years ago he always brightened my day..
We were sorry to learn of Art’s passing and our sincere condolences go out to Carolyn and the family.
Art was a fun-loving, outgoing guy and an absolute joy to be around. His sense of humour was second to none.
He will be missed but never forgotten .
Sincerely, John & Marilyn (James) Stubbs
Sending my condolences to Art’s family, he was a happy guy and we will miss him and his family at Ridgeview. He always had a million dollar smile
Sorry to hear – Art was my babysitter, uncle, my boss and my friend. Thinking of all the good times like building my Grandma’s houses together. I can still hear him shout ‘hold the ladder john!’ he will be missed.