Obituary of James "Jim" Wallace

James Wallace passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Health Centre on Sunday, November 17, 2024, in his 95th year.

Jim had an adventurous spirit. He earned his pilot license at 16. His love of a good road trip was sparked at 18, when he and his childhood friends travelled along the famous Route 66 to California. At 21, he set sail on a voyage to Europe with his classmate and their bicycles, working their way across the Atlantic as waiters. At 23, he embarked on a solo journey to the Guyana jungle to prospect for diamonds.

The adventures continued once he met Maureen, the love of his life. For 72 years they have shared their lives in genuine partnership, riding out the highs and lows of life with humour (and the occasional song or dance). They fully explored Europe and North America, and once the kids arrived, turned their energies to building a cottage - and more memories - closer to home.

Jim was also service oriented. He was the City Solicitor & Commissioner of Legal Services - Kitchener for 21 years and served on many local committees during his career and in retirement. Jim handled the trials and tribulations of public service with diplomacy, respect, and an even keel; those that worked with him - and those that knew him - often expressed that he was a good, kind, and gentle man.

As a lifelong learner, Jim learned the practice of Tai Chi and how to downhill ski in his 70s, and attended art classes in various mediums, settling on water colour painting later in life.

Jim was a great storyteller and regaled his family with tales of his remarkable life and (mis)adventures, much to their delight.

Jim is survived by his beloved family - wife Maureen, son Brian (Melissa), daughter Sue (Thom), and grandkids Maxlynn and Russell.

A life well lived, well-loved and loved well; he will be deeply missed.

Jim and the family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s, and the kindness of strangers.

As per Jim's wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local hospital foundations would be appreciated and may be arranged at www.erbgood.com