It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandpa, papa, and best friend.
Jim left us to be with his mom Ida (McEwen), dad Henry Cliff, brother Russel Cliff and his dogs, Charlie, Bear and Hope. He was surrounded by his 4 daughters, grandchildren and best friend Carole Cliff who were by his side until the end listening to his favourite Kenny Rogers songs.
Jim was born and raised in Fort William but spent many summers visiting Rossport-Bowman Island with his mom, dad, and Russell. While there, the boys worked on their uncle’s tug and commercial fishing boat. This began his lifelong love for boating and being the Captain of the IDA C. Jim was a natural athlete, enjoying all sports especially hockey and baseball with his neighborhood friends and excelled at Selkirk Highschool on the pummel horse, uneven bars and rings.
Straight out of high school, Jim worked for Twin City Gas company as a heavy equipment operator for over 10 years until he moved to Lakehead Roofing where he retired.
Jim had a love of tools and creating things and always had projects going just to get his hands on his tools. At the young age of 30, he literally built our family home, all self-taught. From drafting the house plans to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, mechanic and everything in between, he was the ultimate Jim of all trades. He even custom built the kitchen cabinets one foot lower to accommodate his short wife, Carole. Jim was always the first to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear, and his legacy of kindness will continue to ripple through the lives he touched.
To say he enjoyed curling, boating, fishing, and woodworking is an understatement. Riding his motorcycle, refinishing his Triumph convertible, teaching his twin daughters to ride a backhoe and transport truck were pure joys of his.
Jim will be remembered for his kindness, empathy and compassion and always the social butterfly and goofball. His infectious laugh and a quick warm smile brought joy to those around him. He and his nieghbours would congregate on his patio for the daily Vickers St. Assoc meetings where they would spend hours laughing and joking.
Leaving behind to mourn his passing are Laura (Randy) Morine and Caroline and Merritt, Sherry (Jeff) Heyder and Shawna, Julia, L.J Heyder, Marla Cliff and Dayna and Stephen, Melissa Kardas and Hannah and Kayla and of course his best friend and wife of 35 years, Carole Cliff. Jim is also survived by many nieces and their children all across Canada, Bonnie (Danny) Legge, Sandra Cliff Barndt, Brenda Cliff and Theresa Cliff Cowen (Patrick) as well as the McEwen, Sullivan and Gerow families.
While we mourn the loss of Jim, let us also celebrate the indelible mark he left on our lives. His unwavering love and guidance will continue to guide us through life’s challenges, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
On behalf of Jim and our entire family, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to the healthcare professionals who cared for him during his journey. Your tireless dedication, expertise, and compassion provided comfort and support during a challenging time. We are forever grateful for the exceptional care from Debbie, Shannon and Aunja at the VON day program and the ICU nurses Emily and Eva.
Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.
