James Joseph Delahunty

Passed away peacefully at Innisfree House on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in his 75th year. Beloved husband of Patricia for 52 years. Loving father of Heidi (Cyril), Jamie (Ivy), Gordie and Chris (Michelle). Proud grandfather of April (George), Justin and Gavin. Jim will also be missed by his siblings Ray (Alfreda),Mill, Gord (Gloria), Donna (Kevin), brother in-law Ross and many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his sisters Mary and Esther and brother in-law John. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Innisfree House for their compassionate care. Visitation will take place at the T. Little Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 223 Main Street, Cambridge (519-623-1290) on Tuesday, January 5th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with Prayers at 3:45 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish, 53 Wellington Street, Cambridge on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to support Innisfree House would be appreciated by the family.

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James Joseph Delahunty will be remembered as a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, disciplined, practical and realistic person. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jim was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jim knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Robert and Catherine Delahunty. Jim was raised in Bell Island, Newfoundland. Even as a youngster, Jim learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jim was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jim was raised with 6 siblings. He had two brothers, Raymond, and Gordon and four sisters Esther, Mill, Mary and Donna.

Jim's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jim enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations. Jim liked to take part in baseball, swimming, and fishing.

In school, Jim was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Jim was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. He graduated from St. Kevin's School, Bell Island, Newfoundland in 1957. Jim’s favorite class in high school was History. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Barry. He had a great love of reading.

Jim was sociable and approachable. Jim was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships; friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. While growing up, some of his best friends were John Griffin, Bill Bursey, Don Bursey and the Quigley Brothers.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jim reveled in the security of his family. On January 11, 1964 Jim exchanged wedding vows with Patricia Dobbin at the St. Patrick's Parish Roman Catholic Church of Galt, Ontario (Cambridge).

Jim was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jim had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jim was blessed with four children, Heidi, Jamie, Gordon and Christopher. Jim was also blessed with three grandchildren, April, Justin and Gavin.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jim was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent supervisor, Jim was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jim upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a factory worker in the automotive parts manufacturing industry. He was employed for 40 years and 20 years as a supervisor.

Jim approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was bowling; he was a great bowler.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jim to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, James played baseball. Recreational sports included bowling and baseball. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams. During hockey season he enjoyed watching the Montreal Canadiens and during baseball season he enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays

Being generous with his time and energy, Jim liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, James was a member of the Boys Club, Bell Island, Newfoundland. Throughout his later years, Jim was an active member of the Newfoundland Club.

Faith was important to Jim. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Jim could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Jim; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included his bowling awards in the Sunday Night Bowling League and in later years, the Senior Bowling League.

Jim’s favourite vacations were visiting his friends and family in his hometown of Bell Island, Newfoundland.

Jim loved animals. One of James’s favorites was his Alaskan Malamute, Thunder. They were best friends for 13 years. His family was rounded out by his cat Toby and his dog Jack.

When Jim’s retirement finally arrived in 2003, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved spending more time at his home in Cambridge. In retirement, he found pleasure in bowling, gardening and home repairs. In many ways, Jim loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jim passed away on December 29, 2015 he spent the last five days of his life at Innisfree House. His cancer returned and he was battling Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife Patricia, children Heidi, Jamie, Gord and Chris, daughter in law Michelle, two brothers, three sisters and three grandchildren. Services were held at St. Patrick's Parish Catholic Church, the same church that he and Patricia were married in. Jim was laid to rest in the Our Lady of Knocks Columbarium at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Cambridge.

All who knew him would agree that James was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. James Joseph Delahunty did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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To Those I Love

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

You musn’t tie yourself to me with tears.

Just be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call, and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All of my love around you, soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile, and say

“Welcome Home.”

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Passed away peacefully at Innisfree House on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in his 75th year. Beloved husband of Patricia for 52 years. Loving father of Heidi (Cyril), Jamie (Ivy), Gordie and Chris (Michelle). Proud grandfather of April (George), Justin and Gavin. Jim will also be missed by his siblings Ray (Alfreda),Mill, Gord (Gloria), Donna (Kevin), brother in-law Ross and many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his sisters Mary and Esther and brother in-law John. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Innisfree House for their compassionate care. Visitation will take place at the T. Little Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 223 Main Street, Cambridge (519-623-1290) on Tuesday, January 5th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with Prayers at 3:45 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish, 53 Wellington Street, Cambridge on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to support Innisfree House would be appreciated by the family.