JAMES HERSHEY LUTZ

After a brief illness with cancer, James Hershey Lutz passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. He will be dearly missed by Lois, his wife and best friend of 51 years; his children Tracy (Matt) and Ryan (Rebecca); grandson Harrison; and all members of his extended family. Whether you knew him as Jay or Jim, you knew that he was in the truest sense, a Renaissance man. He had a curious mind, was very well read, and could speak thoughtfully on almost any subject. Every conversation with Jay left you having learned something new, and he took great pleasure in recommending books and sharing articles he thought others might enjoy. Born in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania to Walter and Betty Lutz, Jay attended Phillips Exeter Academy where his lifelong love of history took hold. He went on to attend Columbia University where he had the opportunity to learn from many distinguished academics. After graduating from university, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Army and completed a tour of duty (1969-1970) as an infantryman and Reconnaissance team leader with the 101st Airborne. He returned to civilian life and to his studies, pursuing graduate work at the University of Toronto in British imperial and military history. Jay enjoyed a long and rewarding career spanning banking, marketing and advertising in Toronto, including roles with TD Bank, MacLaren's, National Trust and Scotiabank. Better with a clipboard and spreadsheet than a hockey stick, Jay was incredibly generous with his time and supported his children in all of their athletic pursuits. He served as President of the Leaside Hockey Association and Leaside Girl's Softball Association; and sat on the boards of the North York Hockey League and Leaside Memorial Arena. Jay spent a number of years guiding the Upper Canada College and Trinity College School cadet corps, instilling the principles of leadership and service. He remained deeply connected to his military history roots and was active with the Royal Canadian Military Institute, the Queen's Own Rifles, and the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. He traveled extensively, often seeking out places that had first captured his imagination during his academic studies. Together with his family, he enjoyed more than 40 summers in Southampton, Ontario, biking along the shores of Lake Huron and listening to the piper at sunset. When he looked back on his life, he often said he felt lucky. But those of us who knew and loved him knew the truth: we were the lucky ones to have had him in our lives. A visitation will take place on Friday, March 27th at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Ltd., 1403 Bayview Avenue, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, March 29 at the Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto, 25 St Clair Avenue West, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, with remarks at 2:45 pm. If desired, donations can be made to the Children's Aid Society of Toronto. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.