James “Jim” Albert Kirkland

Peacefully, and with family by his side, Jim passed away at University Hospital, London on Tuesday, December 17, at the age of 82.

Jim was the beloved husband of Carolyn (née Rudychuk); a devoted and loving father to Susan Weckstrom (Steve) and Catherine Bethel (Andy); and a caring stepfather to Darryl Kirkland. He was a cherished brother to Lois Shimer (predeceased by her husband, Robert) and Gordon Kirkland (Diane). Jim was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Vera Kirkland.

A proud and deeply loved Grandpa to Megan, Carter, and Kyle Bethel, Jim brought joy, laughter, and endless entertainment to his grandchildren, creating memories they will treasure forever.

Jim was born in Toronto on December 28, 1942, and spent his childhood on Indian Road Crescent in the High Park area. He grew up in a close-knit family with his younger siblings, Lois and Gordon, and spent many summers at his family’s cottage on Gull Lake in Gravenhurst. This special place remained deeply meaningful to him throughout his life.

Muskoka was Jim’s happy place. As a young man, he spent summers living at the cottage and boating across Gull Lake each day to work at a local grocery store. On weekends, he returned to pick up his parents and bring them across the lake. Those years were filled with adventure, lifelong friendships, and countless stories that Jim loved to share. He especially cherished the time spent with his close friends, known as the “Gull Lake Yacht Club,” with whom he remained connected throughout his life.

Jim lived in Maple, Richmond Hill, and Streetsville before eventually settling in Mississauga. In 1987, he married the love of his life, Carolyn, and together they built a full and adventurous life, becoming a blended family. They later relocated to London to be closer to family, where Jim and Carolyn made their home for more than 20 years.

Together, Jim and Carolyn shared many adventures, including building homes, working side by side in business, travelling extensively, and fulfilling a lifelong dream by purchasing a cottage on Gull Lake, just a few cottages down from where Jim had spent his youth. Weekends at the cottage, boating, and caring for the property were among the greatest joys of his life.

Jim enjoyed a successful career in publishing and advertising, including his work with Daily Commercial News, Southam Inc. and as co-owner of MacKirk Publications. Together with Carolyn, he later embraced the digital marketing world, always eager to learn and adapt.

Known for his gentle nature, quick wit, and playful sense of humour, Jim delighted in comedy, music, and anything that could spark a laugh. He had a lifelong love of music from the 1950s and 1960s, especially Bob Dylan, and a fascination with technology and gadgets of every kind.

Above all, Jim was a kind, sweet, and thoughtful man who valued friendship, family, and simple joys. He will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, humour, and the love he shared so freely.

Visitation will be held at Northview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jim, please consider the McCormick Care Foundation Dementia Services.