James Russell Dodson

He was born in Truro, Nova Scotia, to Edward England Dodson and Gladys Helen (Dewar). He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Edward, and his loving partner, Betty McLean.

He leaves behind his greatest joy, his family: his first love and the mother of his children, Barbara; daughters Kilby (George) and Lindsay (Christopher); sons James (Carolyn) and Christopher (Jackie); grandchildren Natalie (Dawson), Maxwell (Keely), Kelsey (Brady), Ali (Bryce), Sam (Isabel), Jordyn, Zoe, and Henry; great-grandchild Maverick; and Natalie and Dawson’s baby girl, arriving shortly, who would have been his second great-grandchild.

Jim enjoyed a successful career in the Advertising and Marketing industry. He had a lifelong love of cars, buying a Porsche at the age of 14, well before he had a driver’s license. In the 1970s, he sponsored a car in the Formula Atlantic Series. Later, he became a driver in the Ontario Formula Ford Series, winning many championships. He was a member of BARC (British Automobile Racing Club) and served as a marshal at the Toronto Indy for over 30 years. He was also a member of the RCYC and raced in the club’s yacht racing series for several years.

Jim had many interests, including horses, family genealogy, interior design, fashion, hockey, his treehouse, long drives in the country, classical music, fine wines, thrift shopping, and reading, of which he was an avid fan.

He was kind, gentle, generous, adventurous, and knowledgeable. He was a great detective and loved sharing the funniest stories. Dad was always willing to help, especially if it meant giving someone a ride somewhere.

A special thank you to Kilby and her family for providing Dad with a loving home over the last 10 years. She will miss their morning coffees together.

Hamilton General Hospital provided our father with excellent care and our family with immense compassion.

Thank you to Cresmount Funeral Home and Mandie for their excellent guidance through this difficult process.

Private celebrations of life will be held at Jim’s favourite haunts.

In a poignant coincidence, the horoscope for Scorpio on the day Jim passed spoke of “a new lease of life” and promised that “there will be only sunshine and happiness coming your way.” These words hold a special meaning for our family, offering a gentle and comforting thought that perhaps Jim’s journey was not an ending, rather a peaceful transition to a place of light, free from all worries, where sunshine and happiness await.

Scorpio (October 24-November 22) A new solar year begins for you today and it will feel as if you have been given a new lease of life. All the anxieties of recent weeks will melt away and before long there will be only sunshine and happiness coming your way.