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JAMES SAMPLE
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JAMES SAMPLE Obituary
SAMPLE May 28, 1948 ~ February 25, 2026
It is with profound sadness that the family of James (Jim) Sample announces his passing on February 25, 2026, at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, with family at his side.
Born in Fort William, Ontario, on May 28, 1948, Jim was proud to have grown up in the East End. He attended Crawford School, Ogden School, Fort William Collegiate Institute, and Lakehead University. During his teens, he worked at the Odeon theatres and cherished his summers spent in Emo, Ontario, at the family farm, where he could often be found working in the fields or mending fences.
Jim began his career with Canada Post in Fort William in the late 1960s. After moving to Toronto in the early 1970s, he worked at the mail-sorting plant and later at several postal outlets across the city. A highlight early in his career was being part of the team that implemented the Canadian postal code system. Following his retirement from Canada Post, Jim fulfilled his long?held dream of teaching traveling across the country to train the next generation of postal workers.
A lifelong animal lover, Jim adored his many pets and the animals on the family farm except, perhaps, the ever?persistent chasing geese. He was deeply curious about history and especially passionate about researching and documenting his family's genealogy.
After suffering a stroke in 2014, Jim returned to Thunder Bay in 2015. Though he moved back home, he proudly maintained his connection by becoming an enthusiastic fan of both the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs.
Jim will be profoundly missed by his devoted sister Brenda Buttars; nephews Derek and David (Kathy); grand?niece and nephew Kayla and Owen; and the Kinsman family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ian and Vikki for their support in Jim's last days. Jim was predeceased by his parents Harry Sample and Alexandria (Sandra) Martell (née Busniuk), as well as his grandparents Thomas and Ruby Sample, and Emen and Anna Busniuk.
Jim will also be remembered with great affection by his many friends at Sister Leila Greco. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the compassionate nurses and doctors at St. Joseph's Care Group and the ICU at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their extraordinary care.
In accordance with Jim's wishes, donations may be made to the Humane Society in his memory.
A celebration of Jim Sample's life will be held at the Da Vinci Centre on Friday, March 6 at 12:00 PM.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
It is with profound sadness that the family of James (Jim) Sample announces his passing on February 25, 2026, at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, with family at his side.
Born in Fort William, Ontario, on May 28, 1948, Jim was proud to have grown up in the East End. He attended Crawford School, Ogden School, Fort William Collegiate Institute, and Lakehead University. During his teens, he worked at the Odeon theatres and cherished his summers spent in Emo, Ontario, at the family farm, where he could often be found working in the fields or mending fences.
Jim began his career with Canada Post in Fort William in the late 1960s. After moving to Toronto in the early 1970s, he worked at the mail-sorting plant and later at several postal outlets across the city. A highlight early in his career was being part of the team that implemented the Canadian postal code system. Following his retirement from Canada Post, Jim fulfilled his long?held dream of teaching traveling across the country to train the next generation of postal workers.
A lifelong animal lover, Jim adored his many pets and the animals on the family farm except, perhaps, the ever?persistent chasing geese. He was deeply curious about history and especially passionate about researching and documenting his family's genealogy.
After suffering a stroke in 2014, Jim returned to Thunder Bay in 2015. Though he moved back home, he proudly maintained his connection by becoming an enthusiastic fan of both the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs.
Jim will be profoundly missed by his devoted sister Brenda Buttars; nephews Derek and David (Kathy); grand?niece and nephew Kayla and Owen; and the Kinsman family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ian and Vikki for their support in Jim's last days. Jim was predeceased by his parents Harry Sample and Alexandria (Sandra) Martell (née Busniuk), as well as his grandparents Thomas and Ruby Sample, and Emen and Anna Busniuk.
Jim will also be remembered with great affection by his many friends at Sister Leila Greco. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the compassionate nurses and doctors at St. Joseph's Care Group and the ICU at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their extraordinary care.
In accordance with Jim's wishes, donations may be made to the Humane Society in his memory.
A celebration of Jim Sample's life will be held at the Da Vinci Centre on Friday, March 6 at 12:00 PM.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Feb. 28, 2026.
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for JAMES SAMPLE
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Patrick J Dingwell
Yesterday
I was saddened to hear thay Jim passed away. My sincere condolences to the family.
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