On September the 10th, 2024, James was summoned to join a new choir, the choir of Angels.

James was born on November 29th, 1938 in Sherbrooke Quebec. He is predeceased by his mother, Rita and father, Fred. As well as his brother, Don and brother in law Angus Bourgeau. He leaves behind his sister, Janet (Sangster) Bourgeau of North Bay, his sister in law Eleanor (Doherty) Sangster and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

James once said he was ‘born with the appropriate genes for classical music’. He had an emotional connection to music and he would often find peace by ‘running music through my head’. One of his favourite pieces was by Franz Schubert “The Erlking”.  Jim was a member of several musical groups including ‘The Martlets’ at McGill University, Ottawa Choral Society, Edinburg Bach Choir, Musica Orbium, Montreal Recorder Society and a founding member of Flutissimo!

Mathematics, physics and chemistry were the subjects that interested Jim the most with chemistry eventually emerging as his favourite. He completed his Masters of Science at McGill University and his Ph.D. in Edinburgh Scotland. He was a member of two international professional societies: the Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA). He participated in several projects and attended annual meetings with his colleagues all around the world, always making himself acquainted with each new city he visited.

Jim said he was ‘born with a fascination for the printed word’ as he loved books and was always found with one or two books on the go. He supported the arts enthusiastically from Fringe festivals in Montreal and Edinburgh to productions at the Stratford festival.   It was never hard to engage in a discussion with Jim about a current film as he kept himself up to date with the latest productions wherever he was in the world.

Take another bow James (Uncle Jim), your family and friends who loved and respected you are still giving you a standing ovation!

Farwell! Au Revoir!

As per Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life memorial service will take place on Saturday October 19th, 2024 from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Kane Fetterly Funeral Home at 5301 Decairie Blvd. Montreal. Please join us!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Jim be made to a charity you support.