I remember uncle Jim (always uncle Jim to me), as a great friend to our family. He helped my dad with many projects around the house. In my memory, Uncle Jim and Aunt Kaaren were at every important event in my life and the life of our family. Uncle Jim made every moment fun, with his sharp wit and sense of humor.

Oh, and the best place to babysit! Plenty of snacks, good pay and always a fun ride home. 

My condolences to all his family and friends,

Frank Hoekstra

I remember Jim as “uncle Jim”. I spent a lot of time at the Damsma houses and had a great friend in Jim’s son Matt. I will always remember the greeting of ELLOW between Jim and my dad, they had such fun together. I carry very fond memories of uncle Jim with me such as him being one of the best at hammering a nail into the wood plank at the school bazaar in 1 strike.  I’ll remember his sense of humour and easy going personality. 

My thoughts go out to all his family and friends

Jim and his family were great Christian friends when our kids were growing up together.  Jim's  sense of humor and caring personality touched us all. Barb and I remember "...ellow".

Jim was the best friend and best boss I ever had.  He was patient and helpful to everyone on the job. In 1974 he paid me a dollar an hour while I spent ten days in the hospital. That's the person he was.

Even after Jim and Kaaren moved to Sarnia it meant a lot to both of us that Jim would stop in on his way by KW on the 401.

We'll treasure all our memories.

Love, Barb and John

We also car pooled to Rockway Mennonite High School for a year. He was a true Dutchman a lot of fun and a little bit mischievous.It is sad to hear he is gone.Condolences to Karen and all of the family.

I was a classmate of (Jim) James at Mannheim School known as SS#9 Wilmot. I have included a school picture .He is the first person in my he second row. Many memories of those days . He was also my next door neighbour.

To Matt and all of the Damsma family ,
     It saddened us to hear of Jim’s passing 
We hope you will find love and strength in the unity and support of your friends and family 
Our deepest condolences 

Phil and Sue Baerg 
Tobermory Ontario

Dear Danielle, Hannah & your family, 

I’m so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. I know there are no words that can make a loss like this easier.

Although I only had the chance to meet him once, I’ll always remember the beautiful and sentimental speech he gave at Hannah’s going away party. It was clear in those few moments just how much his family meant to him, and it was really special to witness.

I hope you can find comfort in all the memories, stories, and love he leaves behind, and in having each other to lean on during this difficult time.

Thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

With love ❤️ 
Lexie

Dear Kaaren, Danielle, Lisa and Matt,
I'm so glad to have known your husband and your dad. Jim was a terrific organist for many years at our church. He had a great sense of humour, and he was so well-liked by many people. We shared a love of awesome choirs and grand pipe-organs. Once, when no one else was interested in attending a concert in Hamilton, I asked him to go with me, because I didn't want to go all by myself. I think he was surprised, but he was happy to do me the favour. We'd run into him at home sometimes, at the Mannheim garage sales, and at the hotel in Port Elgin where he worked for a while. He was the same man in his driveway and out in the world, as he was at church. May God bless you with happy memories of this genuine, caring and loving man.

I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing. We will miss him on earth but will rejoice when we meet up with him again in heaven.
Aunt Karen, Danielle, Lisa, and Matt may you feel our Lords presence and know you will meet again him heaven.

Danielle and family,

We were very sorry to hear about your dad.  Our sincere condolences to you and your family. 

Love Sharon & Matt

OBITUARY

James (Jim) Damsma

15 October, 1946 – 5 September, 2026

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

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