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JAMES PACKHAM Obituary

PACKHAM, P. Eng., JAMES LENNOX February 19, 1927 – July 3, 2017 Professor Emeritus, Ryerson University Peacefully, in Toronto after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Marian Aitchison Packham for 68 years. Dearly loved by his son Neil and his wife Dale Wilson and by his daughter Janet and her husband John McCann. Predeceased by his sister Frances Good of Beamsville, Ontario. Remembered by many nieces and nephews and special family friends. Jim was born and raised in Weston, Ontario. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.A.Sc. in the class of 1948. After 20 years of engineering and managerial experience in the electrical equipment industry with General Electric and with Sangamo, he joined Ryerson's Electrical Department as a Lecturer. He became Chair of that Department in 1970. He completed an M.B.A. in public administration at York University in 1975. In 1973, Jim was appointed as Ryerson's Vice-President Academic and served in that role for seven years. Starting in 1980, he was associated with the office of the President and undertook a series of special projects for Ryerson. Concurrently, he was associated with the Department of Politics and Public Administration as a Professor of Public Administration for both full-time and part-time students. He retired in 1990. He was bestowed a Fellow of Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in 1992. Jim's hobbies included woodworking, skiing, sailing, travelling and collecting and writing about antique tools. This involved designing and helping to construct their cottage buildings and furniture at Lake Joseph, starting in 1955. There were many years of travel in Canada, North America, Europe and Israel with Marian and close friends. His interest in antique tools included longtime participation in The Tool Group of Canada, as its newsletter editor for 10 years and in the Early American Industries Association, as a member of its Board. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held Monday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m. at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, 2500 Old Carriage Road, Mississauga, Ontario. If desired, memorial contributions to the Student Bursary Fund at Ryerson University, www.ryerson.ca/supporting would be appreciated. Please visit our Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com

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Published by Toronto Star on Jul. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES PACKHAM

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8 Entries

Bill Glassman

July 12, 2017

Jim was VP Academic when I first came to Ryerson. Over the years, we had many interactions, and I had great respect for him. He was a man of integrity, a calm and thoughtful individual with a wonderful sense of humor, and a passionate supporter of Ryerson. My deepest sympathy to his family.

July 12, 2017

Jim was a delightful person to both work with and spend time with on social occasions. It was a privilege to know him.
R. Greer Lavery P. Eng.

Allan Cross

July 10, 2017

Jim will be greatly missed by the Tool Collectors of Canada members. He gave many talks of interest. He was always a fund of knowledge and contributed much to our meetings.

Gerda Kaegi

July 10, 2017

Jim was someone very special and a joy to work with. He had great integrity, was thoughtful, hard working, and possessed a delightful sense of humour. Ryerson owes him a great deal for his years of work on behalf of the university and particularly, its students.

Diana Hewitt

July 9, 2017

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Packham family. The girls and I have had the great pleasure to share the Packham cottage and treasure the time we have spent there. We all remember Jim's wonderful smile and delighted in the stories he told. Jim was a great man and we will cherish his memory forever in our hearts. Hugs to you all.

Diana

July 9, 2017

I was very saddened to read that Jim died. I knew him from my first years at Ryerson, and have continued to meet him occasionally since we retired. He was one of the nicest men I ever met--I never heard him saying a negative word about anyone. He made a long-lasting contribution to Ryerson and was respected by everybody.

Kenise M Kilbride

July 8, 2017

Jim was a gentleman and a scholar, most warmly welcoming to and supportive of newer faculty. We will miss him.

July 8, 2017

Jim was extraordinary human being, I enjoyed working with him and will miss him.
I just remember him at our meetings this past year
Judith Dimitriu P.Eng
Professor Emerita
Ryerson Universitu

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for JAMES PACKHAM

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