Jim Jamieson

Suddenly in his sleep, Jim passed away with the love of his life Lynne by his side on October 21, 2025 at his beloved Muskoka cottage. Jim is survived by his dear wife Lynne and his cherished daughters Kayli Jamieson and Christy (Mack) Pitman; deeply missed by his mother Margaret and his siblings Nancy and David (Monique), and his nieces and nephews: Amanda (Kevin Bazil) and their son James; Jessica, Esther, and Luke (Sara). Predeceased by his father John Jamieson and parents-in-law Clayton and Jean Bartlett. Lovingly remembered by a tremendous number of family members, friends and colleagues. It would take a few trees’ worth of paper to write everyone down, but he loved you all.

Jim’s zest for life branched out like the limbs on his treasured Muskoka trees, which he refused to cut down as they grew taller around the cottage -- despite their blocking the beautiful lake view. “They’re NATURE”. He and Lynne travelled widely, to both near and faraway lands, including most of Canada, many parts of the USA, Scotland and France, as well as Baltic, Greek Isles and Italy cruises, and Barbados over 20 times. And he always returned home appreciating his own spot of Muskoka paradise as the most perfect place of all.

After Jim and Lynne moved north from Newmarket in 2020 they quickly became immersed in the rhythms of the ‘quiet life’ which was certainly never quiet when Jim was around, and together they enjoyed their new community of friends through the curling and golf clubs, and pickleball facilities. When not on the courses or courts, winters took Jim out on long adventures over the Muskoka snowmobile trails, and summers found him messing about with one of his many boats, or (over many decades) successfully teaching more people how to waterski than a water sports club. He himself was still waterskiing late into his 50’s, though he always claimed to be tricked into that last ski. In all seasons, however, there was a pretty good chance you could find him at some point during the day on the tractor he just showed up with one day, claiming to everyone it was the most prudent mid-life crisis purchase ever. He was always either assisting neighbours with their roads and driveways or working on his own.

Knowledgeable about EVERYTHING, even the things he hadn’t heard of, Jim helped everyone within his inner circle, his wider groups, and indeed anyone who needed a hand. You could always go to him with a problem and “Jim will fix it” got right on the case. He was generous with his time and energy, and he could always put a smile on your face. His teasing was legendary – “I didn’t ask if you were good, I asked if you wanted something!” As a card-loving Euchre enthusiast, he often won his games no matter who his partner was – and mostly without cheating.

Host extraordinaire, Jim was in his element when sharing meals, memories and stories with friends and family, from his place at the BBQ or his seat at the head of the long dining table that could always ‘fit one more’. Late afternoons on the dock were a ritual; unexpected guests who suddenly showed up were greeted and treated as enthusiastically as those who were actually invited. And to think that with all that Jim was involved with in this very busy life, he did it all while still working over 40 years at Idris Insurance – first as an employee and later as its owner/President. Jim’s was not just a life well-lived, it was a life well-enjoyed. He graced the world with his generosity, fun, and laughter, and he will be dearly missed.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on November 1st at 12:00 p.m. at the Bala Community Centre, 1008 Maple Ave, with a reception to follow across the street at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 424, 1011 Maple Ave, Bala, ON L0K 1E0. 

Please wear your most-loved casual clothes in Jim’s honour. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s name to:

1) Walk It Off: Spinal Cord Recovery and Wellness Centre, a not-for-profit (no receipts can be issued) clinic for spinal cord injury and stroke patients. Jim’s daughter Kayli works there, and 100% of donations will go to the clinic to purchase and upgrade new equipment. 

or

2) Andy's House - Hospice Muskoka, a palliative care home in Port Carling where Jim’s wife Lynne is a volunteer.