Jim White - obituary

James Kenneth White, OLS# 1180

December 31, 1936 -October 18, 2015

Jim White passed away suddenly in his 79th year from pancreatic cancer.

The son of John and Orpha, Jim grew up on the family farm at Orville near Parry Sound attending the nearby one-room school. His only sibling, Muriel, was 13 years his senior; he liked to say “There were two only children in my family.” After graduating from Parry Sound High School as valedictorian in 1954, he worked for a year, then took first year Electrical Engineering at U. of T. to appease his mother and high school math teacher. He did pass his year, but didn’t continue. Then we worked at Malton on the Avro Arrow until Prime Minister Diefenbaker scrapped the project.

Then he went to work for Bart Thomsett O.L.S. in Parry Sound and articled to him, becoming an O.L.S. in 1965. In 1964 he married Carol White of Parry Sound. They became the proud parents of 3 sons, Rob, Ian and Vance and eventually 8 grandchildren. Last year they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

In 1970, Jim opened his own practice and ran it for almost 25 years, selling it to Doug Magee O.L.S. Jim enjoyed the outdoors in all seasons. Surveying township retracements for the Ministry of Natural Resources was especially rewarding, finding 100 year old evidence.

Jim had a variety of interests; reading topped the list. Most rooms in the house had floor to ceiling book shelves full of reading material. Photography occupied his spare time for many years. He was one of the founding members of the Christie Camera club. Although he began playing guitar and piano while young, in his retirement he spent a great deal of time, along with is band, Third Change, entertaining at local nursing homes, fall fairs and dances. He composed many songs with music, but unfortunately never got around to recording them.

Travelling was another interest; driving and flying across Canada from B.C. to the Maritimes. Travelling to the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal and the islands of Cuba and Monserrat were wonderful experiences.

Jim was community minded. He served as a councilor and reeve of Christie Township and also sat on the local planning board. For almost 25 years, he was a member and/or chair of the Board of Management of Belvedere Heights, Home for the Aged. Several times a month, he along with others, provided music for the residents of Belvedere Heights. In his church he served on several committees, including being treasurer.

Jim used his time wisely and lived a full life.

by Mrs. Carol White