JAMES ALLAN "JIM" PIPHER

October 8, 1941 – July 29, 2025 Jim Pipher, age 83, of Bruce Mines, Ontario, passed away at home on July 29, 2025, surrounded by family and birdsong, after a courageous face off with cancer. He outlived his prognosis by three years. Born on October 8, 1941, in Oshawa, Ontario, Jim was the eldest son of Bill and Dorothy Pipher. He married Barbara (née Patterson) in 1964 and together raised two daughters, Catherine and Becky, on the farm. Baseball was one of Jim's primary loves. At one point in his youth, he was on three teams at once and was ultimately scouted by the Detroit Tigers in the position of pitcher. He was a newspaper pressman by trade (Toronto Star), who ultimately followed his heart into farming, inspired by summer work on an uncle's farm. Ever the athlete, Jim was also very active on local hockey teams and belonged to the local men's golf club up until the time of his death. He was a people person who loved the camaraderie of "the game." Admired for his stockmanship, Jim was sought after for his practical veterinary skills by neighbouring farmers. In midlife, he became known in purebred beef cattle circles for the prized Hereford herd he raised in his role as farm manager for filmmaker Norman Jewison (also family) in the Caledon Hills, north of Toronto. Jim had a passion for animal husbandry, birding, hunting, and the outdoors. He acknowledged and connected with people from all walks of life who crossed his path, with no discrimination. He was a man of strong values and impeccable integrity. His friendships are too numerous to count. Jim was predeceased by his younger brother, John; and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 61 years; his daughters, Catherine Brown (Phil) and Becky Brownell (Jason); and his one and only grandchild, Cayley Brown (Cody). Open-minded and a lifelong learner, Jim was a mentor to many young people. He was skillful in many disciplines, as most farmers are. He loved the land, the cattle, the birds and wildlife and all the people and places that connected him to his wild way of life. A celebration of life will be held in Caledon East on September 27th from 1–5 p.m. For more details, contact the family. Messages, memories, and condolences may be left at https://www.beggsfh.com/obituary-listing