JAMES K. "JIM" MACLEOD

(March 17, 1947 – December 4, 2025) It is with hearts heavier than we ever imagined that we announce the unexpected passing of James K. "Jim" MacLeod on December 4, 2025. To know Jim was to feel the gravity of his presence, his brilliant mind, his stubborn streak, his wit, his sensitivity, and the unmistakable force he carried into every room he entered. The hole he leaves behind is shaped exactly like him: large, impossible to fill, and felt by all who loved him. Jim was born in 1947 and lived a life marked by curiosity, leadership, community, and an unwavering dedication to the people around him. He also held his pilot's licence and loved flying, a passion that reflected the same sense of adventure and discipline he carried throughout his life. His broadcasting career began in 1967 at CKDH in Amherst, and from that very first shift, it was clear he had a rare talent for both understanding people and understanding the industry he loved. Over the decades that followed, Jim's influence would extend across local stations, national networks, and major media organizations throughout Canada. From Halifax to Saint John, Ottawa to Orillia, Timmins to Alberta and back again, Jim shaped stations, teams, and entire organizations with his mix of strategic thinking, compassion, and grit. His leadership roles included program director, general manager, president, CEO, and senior vice-president, culminating in his work with CHUM, Telemedia, Newcap Radio, Radiocorp (102.9 Klite FM and Oldies 1150) and ultimately as President and CEO of BBM (later Numeris). His colleagues across the country respected him not just for his brilliance, but for his integrity, humour, and his gift for guiding others to be better. He served on several national boards, often as chair, including the Radio Marketing Bureau, the Radio Board of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, and BBM. He even served his community as a city councillor in Drumheller. Wherever Jim went, he made things stronger, clearer, and somehow funnier. His most recent cause being the Ancaster Village Heritage Committee (AVHC), a vibrant grassroots organization celebrating and protecting the history of one of Canada's oldest communities. Yet for all his achievements, Jim's true center was his family. He was the dad-version of Google for Morgan and Kendell, the person we called for advice on business, life, arguments, broken things, invoices, and everything in between. He was a master problem-solver, a patient listener, and our favourite person to debate, because being challenged by him meant being understood by him. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Nancy; his daughters, Morgan (John) and Kendell (DJ); and his beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Gage, who adored their grandpa and deserved more time with him, though it would never have been enough. And of course, his loyal little walking buddy, Gus, who will look for him every day. He is also survived by his siblings, Barry, Ricky, and Kathy; and his stepmother, Margaret, extended family whom he loved deeply. Jim's passing leaves us unsure how to function in a world where his voice, his guidance, and his humour are suddenly quiet. But his impact remains everywhere, in the industry he helped shape, in the communities he strengthened, and in the people who were lucky enough to be loved by him. As he always signed off, his unmistakable version of "I love you": "Yup! Ok! Bye!" We love you forever and always, Dad. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 1010 Botanical Dr., Burlington, ON. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. The family would love to collect memories, stories, photos, and thoughts of your time and experiences with Jim. Please email them to JimMacLeodFanClub@gmail.com. There is no story too big or small, we would love to read it. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Ancaster Village Heritage Community (AVHC), a cause meaningful to Jim.