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James TUPMAN Obituary
Lowell is well known as having a dental practice in both Niagara Falls and Hamilton, and Lionel is a partner owning a large law firm on Bay Street, Toronto, with branches in Newfoundland and Vancouver.
Jim took an early interest in drama, in the library produced "Bookworms Club," performing in radio dramatizations of parts of novels on Saturday morning productions on CKCR Radio in Kitchener, while in elementary school.
This interest followed Jim as he moved to Pembroke, where he played the lead in the high school production of Brigadoon, and later back to Kitchener to attend the University of Waterloo, singing with the newly formed Glee Club.
Outside interests included playing the trumpet in school bands and in the Tupman Trumpet Trio, unique in being three generational and performing at various religious functions around the province. He also took up piano, serving as church organist while in Pembroke, and accompanying the Potter Sisters trio in their travels around Ontario and in Quebec and Michigan.
Jim taught English in three high schools, finishing as Head of the English Department of Stamford Collegiate for 31 years.
Jim's interest in the performing stage led to the happiest times of his life, as he took on the lead role in Niagara Music Theatres' production of Oklahoma and met there its star dancer: Beryl Bird, recently returned from her glamorous year as Miss Niagara Hospitality. Soon they were married, off on a happy journey of 51 years.
"A great time" says Jim, "only wish it could have been longer!"
Jim is resting at Morgan Funeral Home, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his family will receive friends on Monday, March 27th from 7-9 pm and on Tuesday, March 28th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held at St. George's Anglican Church, 83 Church St, St. Catharines on Wednesday morning, March 29th at 10 o'clock. Cremation to follow. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Sick Kids Foundation or to the NHF-Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James TUPMAN
27 Entries
Donna Kasper-Morrison
October 25, 2023
Beryl, l am so sorry for your loss of your best friend. The first time l met Mr Tupman, was when he picked you up at Parliament Oak School at the end of the school year with a camper and you were to be married over the summer. You introduced us outside which made me feel so special ! He ended up being my teacher at Stamford after my family left NOLTL. May your heartache be minimal and your tears be few until you meet again.
Donna Kasper-Morrison
Helen(Bunny) Keating
April 11, 2023
Mr. Tupman was my English teacher for 5 of my 6 years at Stamford CVI from 1989-1995. I remember how proud I was the first time I received a paper back from him and it didn't look like it should be a part of a crime scene with all of the red marks on it.
I remember how he had strict rules for his classroom, one of them being that you needed to be on time or you would find the door locked. No admittance. No excuses. This was out of respect for the other students who were there on time, and would become distracted every time someone sauntered in late. He also would make you go to the library if you hadn't completed the reading assignments, because you should not be able to participate in discussions to which you couldn't add value. Again, out of respect to the others who had completed their work.
I remember his hair always seemed to be perfect and never out of place. We jokingly created an ad for "plastic hairspray" in grade 10 and used drawings that were obviously similar to the man himself. He had a good laugh about it.
He also was the first person to show me that brown did in fact go with blue. And the patches on the elbows of his jackets,just like a university professor.
He was passionate about the way newspapers wrote articles, and he would lament about their incorrect grammar, saying that there was no way anyone could complain about teenagers if the professionals weren't being a good example.
The way he would sit on the corner of his desk. His classes seemed to be so engaging that they zoomed on by, and before you knew it, the bell would ring.
When I went off to University, and I received my first English paper back, my professor handed it to me, s
And said this simple sentence (the only one I actually remember from university to be honest), "Go back and thank your high school English teacher."
There are three times that I remember Mr. Tupman making a lasting impression on me. The first happened in grade 9. He was collecting homework. I had not done the work. As he visited other student's desks, he would either receive the work, or an excuse. The girl in front of me said, "I forgot," and he continued on to me. I figured that it had worked for her, so I said, without making eye contact, "I forgot," to which he replied, "You're not that stupid." I looked up at him then, to see the sincerity in his eyes. He wasn't going to let me off that easy.
The second time was when he returned a children's book assignment, and I saw "100%" He told me, as he handed it to me, that that was only the third time he had given a student a 100% on anything in his 23 years of teaching, and I should publish the book. I've recently learned how to publish books and now do so as one of my businesses.
The third time was during an update session for my IRP in OAC. It was on a person we most admired. I told him all about my grandma. At the end of our session he said, "Is she so incredible, or do you just see the best in people?" I live every day seeing the best in people and being proud of that because of those words. Because of him.
The impact that Mr.Tupman made on my life is still growing and evolving. I didn't realize just how blessed I was to have him as a teacher back then, but I certainly have appreciated him every moment since. Oh, and I did go back to Stamford after that university professor told me to, and when I thanked him, he said, "It was all you."
He made a huge impact on a lot of people. Rest well Mr.T.
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Gail Poppe
March 27, 2023
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Jim.
I have been reminiscing virtually with Shelly and April today on hearing this sad news.
Oh the stories we shared! The laffs and fun....over the many years you taught my girls and we were neighbours.
I´d love to sit with you some time and talk and help heal.
When we remember old friends and stories, two things happen...first it opens up our own losses and it helps heal our pain.
I hope you will reach out...in the future....and we can meet.
Both Mario and Jim would like that...so would I.
Love and hugs sending your way...from me in Mexico.
Know we are thinking of you all.
Christine Hanson
March 27, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family and friends during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences.
Ashley and Darren clare
March 27, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. offering our condolences from the Clare family
Jen Juhasz (Dickhout)
March 26, 2023
Warmest condolences to Jim´s loved ones at such a sad time. Xx What a life and legacy! I was a student in Mr. Tupman´s English class, in the 1980´s. While I shared his passion for the subject, I struggled with grasping Shakespeare and mythology. Reading about his love of theatre, I now more fully appreciate his flair for bringing drama forth in the classroom. Another connection I discovered is with Pembroke, as I now reside in the Ottawa Valley. Blessings on your heavenly journey, dear one. Thank you for being a part of this earthly one
Jessica Letschert
March 25, 2023
Jessica Letschert
March 25, 2023
Jessica Letschert
March 25, 2023
We are thankful for all the times we could spent with Jim. Spending time together in Germany and when we visited you in Canada. Remembering the days at the cottage with the chipmunks and playing "Jessica wo bist du" - Jim loved it!
Thanks for everything you did Jim.
Our thoughts are with the whole family: Beryl, Lowell with Joy, Leela and Isla and Lionel and Lauren.
Hope we can see each other again soon.
Heinz and Traudel, Christine, Thomas, Jessica and Lina.
John Pinter
March 25, 2023
I had Mr. Tupman for 3 years as my English Teacher at Stamford. He was a dedicated and passionate teacher.
David Cowan
March 25, 2023
Donna and I are both saddened to hear of Jim's passing. As a colleague at Stamford Collegiate, Jim asked me one day if I would give him a few organ lessons at First United Church in St. Catharines where I was directing the music. He did not need much teaching and fortunately for us he joined the choir and and was a fine soloist many times. He, Beryl, Lowell and Lionel became good friends and we shared many good times. Rest in peace Jim.
Lindsey Williston ( Jones)
March 24, 2023
Mr. Tupman was my English teacher at Stamford. I will always remember how he energized the classroom and made reading exciting. My deepest condolences to his family. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Mike Hansen
March 24, 2023
Mr Tupman was my grade 9 English teacher in 1984 at Stamford. I remember him encouraging us to read, and specifically to read more challenging books. He handed me Of Mice and Men, suggesting it might be a step up from the fantasy pulp novel I had. He was right. Rest in peace, sir. You were a good teacher.
Clarke and Lisa Bitter & Dawn Fraser
March 24, 2023
We know both of Jim's sons, I can only imagine the pride he had for them. My deepest condolences to Lionel, Lowell, his family and friends.
Uncle Delacey and aunt Pauline Belland
March 24, 2023
Our condolences to you Joy and Lowell ,your girls ,Beryl and the family , sending prayers
Uncle Delacey and aunt Pauline
Catharina Tocchio
March 24, 2023
Although Jim never danced with Beryl´s happy tappers, he most certainly part of our group. Bringing Beryl to our practices, setting up our music. Christmas at the Tupman´s was filled with laughter, good food & friends and wonderful Christmas singing with Jim at the piano. A wonderful friend and a cherished partner of Beryl´s. He will be sorely missed, not forgotten and a light shining in the starlit night sky. Just look up....and there he will be !
Laura Torch
March 24, 2023
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Our sincere condolences. Love Laura and Bob Torch
Norm Emblem
March 24, 2023
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Tupman family. Sending warm thoughts and prayers.
Norm and Barb Emblem
Debbie Burley
March 24, 2023
Thinking of you at this time. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a well liked gentleman with a wonderful personality. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Elaine Savoie-Keire
March 24, 2023
I´m very sorry for your loss Beryl. I remember young Jim coming to the dance studio before you were married. We, young little dancers, giggled because he was your "boyfriend". Of course, I will never forget the road trip to New York City for the dance caravan, with Jim at the wheel. May all of your memories of time with he and your family & friends, be a comforting blessing.
John Mrmak
March 24, 2023
To Jim's family and friends my sincere condolences. I worked with Jim for many years and always had great respect for him. Memory Eternal.
Celia Parente
March 24, 2023
Sad news indeed to learn of Jim's passing. I know the difficulties he and you as a family have gone through with his diagnosis. He was an educator beyond compare, and while tough as a teen student, he was one of my greatest supports when I returned to school as a young adult. I had the pleasure of crossing paths with him several times at theatrical events and those little chats will be remembered with warmth and fondness. May he rest in the peace so well deserved.
Harry Popiluk
March 24, 2023
My sincerest condolences are extended to Beryl, Scott and their families.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Memorial Events
for James TUPMAN
Mar
27
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Morgan Funeral Home415 Regent Street, Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Mar
28
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Morgan Funeral Home415 Regent Street, Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Mar
28
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Morgan Funeral Home415 Regent Street, Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S 1J0