Published in The Lake Report, July 30, 2026, page 22.
Sept. 6, 1931 – July 22, 2026
It is with sadness, and gratitude for a life well lived, that the family announces the peaceful passing of Jim, surrounded by his family and the compassionate, dedicated staff at Pleasant Manor in Virgil, Ont.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Isobel; his children, Mark (Kelly), Gavin (Tracey), and Lynne (Karl); his cherished grandchildren, Payton, Zachary (McKayla), Brittany, Rachel (Armand), Cody (Emma), and Tegan; as well as extended family in Scotland and lifelong friends and colleagues in Canada and around the world.
Born and raised in England, Jim graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in civil engineering before beginning his career in Killin, Scotland. There he met and fell in love with a cheerful, auburn-haired, green-eyed Scot named Isobel, who would become his steadfast and loving companion for 67 years.
Jim’s career as a civil engineer became the passport to an extraordinary life. Specializing in hydroelectric power projects, he spent more than four decades helping to design and manage infrastructure that brought sustainable energy to communities around the world. Together, Jim and Isobel embraced every opportunity that came their way, building a family whose story crossed borders and cultures. Their three children were each born in a different country before the family settled in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1969, when Jim joined Acres International Ltd.
Although Canada became “home base,” his work continued to take the family to Ethiopia, Pakistan, Iran, Lesotho, Uganda, South Africa and Chile until his retirement in 2000. Wherever they lived, Jim approached each new country and culture with curiosity, respect and genuine interest, forming friendships that endured long after the projects were completed.
A lifelong sportsman, he enjoyed a wide range of sports but it was mountain climbing that best reflected his determination and adventurous spirit and led him to the summit of Falak Sar, the highest peak in Pakistan’s Swat Valley district. Whether documenting a Hindu Kush expedition or an ordinary family gathering, a camera was his faithful companion. In retirement, he painstakingly digitized thousands of photographs and slides, preserving a lifetime of adventures and family memories for future generations.
Jim was the quintessential English gentleman — polite, reserved and thoughtful. He possessed quiet integrity, and a wonderfully dry wit that often caught people delightfully off guard. In later years, that understated humour occasionally gave way to flashes of irreverence, usually inspired by a fine Scotch, Benny Goodman and even better company.
Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His love was expressed not through grand gestures but through quiet encouragement, practical wisdom and unwavering dependability. His family always knew they could count on his calm perspective, thoughtful advice and steadfast support.
Jim possessed a deep moral compass. Although his faith evolved over the years, it remained an important part of his life and inspired an enduring love of learning. He read widely on theology, philosophy, history, and countless other subjects, and was equally at home discussing engineering, politics, literature, or the latest book that had captured his imagination.
Although his journey is complete, his family will forever cherish the adventures they shared.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the Simpson Room at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, 14 Anderson Lane, on Aug. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Project Ploughshares (www.ploughshares.ca) or the Council of Canadians (https://canadians.org), charities that work for peace, and public policy rooted in justice and care for creation.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com.
