James McCARTNEY

James (Jim, or "McCartney" to those who knew him well) passed away peacefully on the morning of March 15 with his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Ingrid, by his side. After a long illness it was time for Jim to take this final trip. Cousin to Gay, Martin and Judy, and friend and father figure to David. Jim was predeceased by his parents Cyril and Edith and by his sister Virginia. At a young age Jim learned to love the outdoors through his participation in Scouts Canada, becoming a Scout Master and recipient of the Queen's Venture Award, and following in the footsteps of his mentor David Pretty. Jim obtained a M.A. in History, conducting research in the archives of England and France. His love of research would lead to a lifetime of reading, traveling and learning. Jim taught History at York Mills Collegiate in Toronto 1964 - 1999 where he was admired and respected by his students. He became renowned for his hotly anticipated annual student canoe trips to Killarney and Algonquin Parks. An avid outdoor adventurer, Jim paddled and hiked all over Canada including the Nahanni River, Stikine Valley, Pukaskwa and Quetico Parks. Jim was deeply social, making new friends throughout his life and inviting them all on his many canoe trips, hikes or cycling expeditions. In his 40's Jim took up guitar, belting out Gordon Lightfoot tunes with great enthusiasm. He didn't have a quality singing voice but he didn't care. His joy was contagious. A patron of the arts, Jim and Ingrid enjoyed the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, and attended performances by Tafelmusik, TSO and Toronto Consort. They travelled Europe and Asia and even visited East Berlin by subway in the 1970's! Jim enjoyed an engaged retirement as a caring friend and citizen. Every Sunday, without fail, he would check in with his friends during their walks in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, call his sister Virginia, and drop in on his friend Eileen for coffee. He volunteered at the Community Share Food Bank and donated to many charities. He continued to expand his social circle and intellectual life as a leader of the Economist Readers, Academy of Lifelong Learning Toronto. Jim received a great deal of love and care over the past two years from friends, family and the staff at Advent Valleyview Residence. With the professional and compassionate support of his caregiver, Alexis, Jim was never alone this last year, and for this we are grateful beyond words. We thank 12th floor staff at Humber River Hospital, who exemplified grace and kindness. A Visitation will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto on Thursday, March 28 at 10 a.m. with a service in the Chapel at 11 a.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Daily Bread Food Bank (https://web.foodbankscanada.ca) or Friends of Algonquin Park (https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/foap/donate/). Please visit www.morleybedford.ca to leave a message of condolence or to share a McCartney story.