James Lewis Sargent

1938 - 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Lewis Sargent, who died unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the age of 78 years. He was born in Port Arthur on February 19, 1938, the eldest child of Frank and Florence Sargent. A lifetime resident of the city Jim dedicated his life to his community, firstly by serving the needs of the bereaved as a proud funeral director as well as by serving with various community organizations including serving as a Past Chair of the United Way of Thunder Bay, very proud to be the first Chair of the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, and as the V.P. of both Protocol and Merchandising with the Canada Summer Games to name but a few. He was well respected in the funeral industry serving as a Past Chair of the Board of Funeral Services and Past President of the Ontario Funeral Services Association. His giving nature went way beyond any of those titles. He helped so many people in so many ways, often without their knowledge, never looking for any credit for his generosity. He had an amazing memory for things that meant something to others. It was not unusual for someone to mention something in casual conversation only to find that gift waiting for them on their birthday months later. As a young man he enjoyed sports and was a very successful curler. He took great pleasure in duck hunting with his brother Sandy and the many friends that they made along the way, both at the Port Arthur Hunt Club and on their trips to the Portage Hunt Club in Portage La Prairie. He had a gift for cultivating relationships with people of all ages and having a positive impact on their lives. His greatest joy in life was being with his grandchildren whom he loved so very much. Summer was his favorite time of year as it allowed him to see his grandchildren regularly at the camp at Sunnyside Beach. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife Linda, sons Michael (Jennifer) and Greg (Allison), grandchildren: Danielle, Nicholas, Jacob and Samuel, brother Sandy (Debbie), sister Joanne (Bill) Scott as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Florence. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, with Rev. Harold Hunt presiding. The interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation for friends will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials to the T.B.R.H.S. Foundation-Northern Cancer Fund or the United Way of Thunder Bay would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.