July 19, 1931 - October 19, 2017
Passed away after a lengthy illness in his 87th year. Born in London, Ont. to Hazel (nee Thomson) and Arthur Dixon Runions. As a child he travelled with his father, an Agricultural Rep., watching him introduce modern farming techniques to farmers during the Depression and War years. He enrolled at Ontario Agricultural College (‘OAC’) where he earned a B.Sc. in Microbiology in 1955. He trained as an Armoured Officer during school to help fund his education, and became a Lieutenant in the 11th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery. At ‘OAC’ he met Kathleen (Kay) Canning. They married in 1957 in Peterborough, where they had been neighbours as young children and then moved to Toronto where Jim studied at Osgoode Hall. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1959. They settled in Guelph and welcomed three children: Diane, Philip and Stephen. He was a tireless worker maintaining his own practice, while also serving as City Solicitor for several years. He was appointed Queen’s Council in 1981.
He loved to cook, garden, talk politics, and research his United Empire Loyalist ancestry. He was an avid reader and enjoyed world history. He was active in the community, particularly with the Rotary Club of Guelph, serving as president in 1976/77. As a long-time member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, he served as an Elder and sat on many committees and fund raising events. In his retirement years, he took great enjoyment in the Wellington Men’s Club and the Romeo Social Group. He was also a member of the Waverly Lodge, A.F.& A.M. No. 361, G.R.C. and the lodge will conduct a masonic service at the funeral home on Thursday at 6:45 p.m.
James is missed and greatly loved by his surviving family: spouse Kay; children Diane (Michael Goetz), Philip (Connie Putt) and Stephen (Karen Vonnegut); and grandchildren Amelia and Jared, Daniel and Jake, Emersyn and Tatum.
Friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph Thursday, October 26th 2-4 p.m & 7- 9 p.m. Funeral service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 161 Norfolk St, Guelph, on Friday, October 27th at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Rotary Club of Guelph – Charitable Foundation, or to Hospice Wellington whose staff and volunteers provided compassionate care and comfort during his final days.