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James O'MARA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James O'MARA
22 Entries
kenny zurby
February 12, 2021
he was a great guy
Franca Aquila
February 6, 2021
I was sad to hear that Jim passed and wish to send my heartfelt condolences to Jim's family. As a work colleague, Jim always impressed me by his 'low key quiet' nature, his willingness to learn all about contact centres while providing leadership and support.
Most of all, I really enjoyed the surprising sarcasm comical 'slingers' delivered in a smooth low-key style that, when given some thought, would indicate that there was more to James O'Mara.
I am proud and thankful to have these wonderful memories. May he rest in peace.
Randy Smith
December 11, 2020
Old friends are often the best of friends because you share a history. My long history with Jim will remain one of the best parts of my life. We met in 1976 as the first two Ph.D. students in Geography at York University. We became colleagues and good friends. In 1978, I left for an academic career in the US, but for the next decade we kept in close contact, through letters - where we shared updates on our young growing families and the status of our early careers. Last Summer we reconnected - first by letter, of course, then e-mail - and were planning a visit when the border reopened and I could get back. I will always think of Jim as a scholar, a strong professional geographer committed to public service, someone who enjoyed many aspects of life, and who was devoted to his family, and loyal and supportive of friends and colleagues - all with a calm, quiet, thoughtful presence that was inspirational. To Joan, Timothy, Andrew and Matthew, I send deep, heartfelt condolences.
Linda Dunstall
December 10, 2020
My sincere condolences to the O’Mara family. I remember Jim fondly as a kind, thoughtful leader having worked with him at the Ministry of Transportation.
Linda Dunstall
elaine sack
December 9, 2020
We were thankful to Joan, Jim and their 'little" sons for taking our good friends Suzanne and Mark into their circle, and including us in a baptism, their travel exploits with 3 babies, all. Friends meant you knew the whole family. When my husband died unexpectedly, Joan came to his funeral to comfort our family. That is just typical of the way their family lived. Years, house moves, and life, separated us for some years, very few meetings. My condolences go out to the family, It is he was a wonderful person, remember him with the bicycle lessons after work on the street, Family was such a happiness for him. .Glad of the precious extra years modern medicine , perseverance and love gave to his family and friends. Others will share their own beautiful memories with Joan and family for years to come. so sorry for your loss.
Jim will be missed. My sympathy to your families.
Dolly Goyette
December 7, 2020
I was very sad to hear about Jim’s passing. Jim was an incredible friend and colleague. I valued his sage advice and humour over the many years that we worked together. After he retired, I so enjoyed our phone chats, lunches and random meetups on the street. My sincere sympathies to the family. He will be missed by many.
Mary Wong
December 7, 2020
We feel fortunate to have known Jim. We are grateful for his kindness, support, and generosity. He was inspirational with a positive outlook, open mind, purpose, and determination as he took charge of his health even after a heart transplant. Joan, Timothy, Matthew and Andrew, may each passing day bring forth fond and loving memories. We will remember him walking Toby, tending to your yard every day loving his life. He will be missed. With our deepest condolences, Mary, JL, and Zoe
Karen Puhlmann
December 5, 2020
I was fortunate to work with Jim for several years in the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch and Operations Integration Branch at MOE. I always appreciated his kindness, humour, knowledge of so many things and deep commitment to public service. His vast vocabulary also sent me running to the dictionary frequently after our conversations! My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Natasha Bartlett
December 5, 2020
My sincere condolences to Joan and the O'Mara family. It was an absolute privilege to work for Jim for many years, and I considered him to be a true leader, guide and mentor. He was a tireless champion for his team, and quietly but brilliantly navigated our way forward with wit, clarity and candour. I miss Jim and remember him for his dry humour, his passion for art (Maude Lewis) and travel, his clear love for his family, his loyalty and leadership to his team, and the guidance that he provided me for many years. Sending comfort and love to the family.
Keith and Joyce Nauman
November 30, 2020
Jim was a good neighbour and we were happy we became acquainted with him and Joan. He was quiet and understated and devoted to his family and friends. Our sympathy is extended to you, Joan and the family.
Roger Clarke
November 30, 2020
My sincere condolences to the O'Mara family. I worked briefly with Jim at MOE and found him quietly funny and staunchly brilliant in his way of dealing with issues and people. I and many others always appreciated him.
Sarah Paul
November 30, 2020
My condolences to the O'Mara family. I had the privilege of working for Jim when he was the Director of the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch at the Ministry of the Environment. He was a thoughtful, articulate and caring leader. So sorry for your loss.
Cindy
November 30, 2020
I had the privilege of working with James, when he was the Director of the former Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. He was always very professional, patient and kind. Sending hugs to the family.
Agatha Garcia-Wright
November 30, 2020
My sincere condolences to the O'Mara family. Jim and I were colleagues at the Ministry of Environment. Jim's intelligence and dry witty humour will always be remembered. I also saw Jim occasionally in the Broadlands neighbourhood after he retired and I enjoyed our catching up time. Love and comfort to your family.
Jamie Boles
November 29, 2020
My sincerest condolences to Joan and the family. Thank you for sharing Jim with the rest of us in the Ontario Public Service. I was very fortunate to work under Jim at the Ministry of the Environment where the waters could sometimes be choppy - but like a good teacher he showed the way to paddle the canoe upright. Jim was a true professional, selfless, and gifted with a quiet intelligence and dry sense of humour that should be a prerequisite to work in government. His fondness for you and the kids, Drag Lake, dogs, travelling, art, science fiction, politics and the Blue Jays were the kinds of conversations that I appreciated most. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I will miss my good friend. May he Rest in Peace.
Matthew O'Mara
November 28, 2020
Found this photo of my father in the Toronto Star archives a while ago. He said, "There was an article in The Star about Ph.d. graduates leaving Canada to go to the U.S. for jobs. I was interviewed and my picture appeared with the story. They used the one with me pointing at the blackboard."
Matthew O'Mara
November 28, 2020
Paula and Dwain Bodkin
November 28, 2020
Dear Joan and family - we were very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. Please know our thoughts are with you!! Take care and hope to visit with you after this pandemic.
Mary Basta
November 28, 2020
My sincerest condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Jim at MTO...a very kind, gentle man. May he Rest In Peace.
Marcella Alonzi
November 28, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your difficult time. Jim was an amazing person I was honoured to work with him at the Ministry of Transportation. My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family . May he Rest In Peace
Marcella Alonzi
November 28, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your difficult time. Jim was an amazing person I was honoured to work with him at the Ministry of Transportation. My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family . May he Rest In Peace
Alan Kirschbaum
November 28, 2020
I was very fortunate to have Jim take me under his wing when I started my career in the OPS. I will miss his generosity and and dry humor. May his memory be a blessing.
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