(Apr. 11, 1949- Nov. 29 2016) - Jim passed peacefully at home in his 68th year with his wife Mary by his side. Cherished son of the late Agnes and Harold Rife and brother of the late Nancy Bishop. Mentor and friend to step-son Jake Branch (Jennifer). Proud Papa to granddaughters Amethyst and Sydney Branch and honorary grandson Erik Dolby. Sadly missed by honorary daughter Heather Dolby. Loving uncle of Heather Haveman (Neil), Norma Currah (Jake),Mike Haveman (Marsha), and David Bishop (Rene). Great uncle of Beverly, Cierra, Ashley, Matthew and Tyler.
Jim worked at General Electric and Euclid in Guelph after graduating from Wilfred Laurier University. He coached baseball for many years, taking many teams to play-off finals. Jim's life centered around St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities: as day camp leader, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, Treasurer, custodian, gardener, and elder. Jim was a competitive master bridge player and loved to teach the basics at the Guelph Bridge Club. Mary and Jim enjoyed the challenge of fostering over 60 foster children and also sponsored and hosted a refugee family from Sierra Leone. Jim will be lovingly remembered by friends and family as a gentle, soft-spoken, understanding and compassionate person.
Visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be celebrated at 3pm on Saturday, December 10th at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 161 Norfolk St., Guelph. Donations may be made to St. Andrew's memorial fund or to Chalmers Community Services Respect and Dignity for All Campaign.
A tree will be planted in memory of James H. (Jim) Rife in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2:30 pm.