It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James (Jim) McKellar Sr. of Guelph on Thursday Nov 30, 2023, in his 73rd year.
Jim was the devoted and beloved husband of Susan (nee Carter) for 32 years and adored father of James (Kandice Hurlock) and Meghan. He loved 8 family dogs over the years, and instantly befriended hundreds of others.
Jim will be missed by two brothers-in-law, Ross Carter (Susan) and David Carter (Hilary) and nephews and niece Mitch, Alex, Angus and Clare.
Jim is also survived by his younger brother Graeme, (Kathleen Quinn) (Rhonda McKellar) of Scarborough and niece and nephews Graeme Jr, Katelynn and Mitchell (Megan Gale)
Jim was predeceased by his parents (both in 1984) James and Cecelia (nee McNabb) and his in-laws Penrose Carter (2009) and Foster Carter (2020). Born in Scotland in May 1951, Jim and his parents moved to Canada after his first year of life and first made home in Dartmouth Nova Scotia, where brother Graeme was born in 1962. The family moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1965 and Jim started school in Guelph in 1969
Jim pursued various credentials and studies at the University of Guelph including pre-vet, Geology/Geography and Hotel and Food Administration. Jim worked his way through university, including summer breaks in Lake Louise where he honed his cooking skills. Good cooking continued a passion throughout his life. He met Susan while still working at the very busy Guelph campus pub. Having to first strategize converting a long-term bachelor, Sue finally sealed the marriage deal in January 1992! After a short role as a stay-at-home dad, Jim launched into his 20+ year career with MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corp) from which he retired in 2016 as a senior commercial Tax Assessor whose always-current expertise was a team reference point for all. While enjoying his time off, Jim succumbed to his enjoyment of the people side of the business and was coaxed partially out of retirement for several years to consult and train junior colleagues.
Jim and Susan's aspirations for a family landed James in 1993, and Meghan in 1994. Jim’s great pride was to raise two respectful and productive citizens. The family and the couple travelled to various destinations, with the most memorable being a Barbados Honeymoon and a St Lucia 25th wedding anniversary trip.
History and Geography were both something that Jim could not get enough of, evident in the shows he watched and the many, many books he read. Jim found great hobby and comfort in the infinite number of toy soldiers that he painted over the years in the man cave accompanied by his favourite loud music. These meticulously researched and detailed figures, along with handcrafted wooden replica castles, became much-cherished gifts to his kids and all nieces and nephews.
Jim loved consuming knowledge in everything he did, making him a formidable armchair contestant of his beloved “Jeopardy”. Part of Jim’s gift was his ability to chat seriously or casually with anyone, about anything. Jim loved his family and home, never missed his kids’ games, and found deep enjoyment coaching lacrosse, the sport of his own youth.
Our big, kind and gentle man leaves us as a husband, father, brother and uncle way too soon, but the family would like to extend thanks for the outpouring of support that will carry us forward. Thanks to the staff at both St. Mary’s Hospital and Guelph General Hospital for their compassionate care for Jim during the hospital stays over the last six months.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Victoria Park Golf and Country Club in Guelph on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, from 1-4 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to the Guelph Humane Society.
A tree will be planted in memory of James McKellar in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.