James Peter Rudd

Jim was the precious, beloved husband, and soulmate of Irene, married 49 years. Dearest dad (Schmappy) to Lisa, most loving papa to Grayson and wonderful father-in-law to Trevor LeBlanc. Dear brother of Verna (Fred), John, Dave, Ron (the late Liz), (the late) Eric (April 2025) (Karen) and Christine.

Jim was a diligent worker, very ambitious, logging in a lot of overtime at GM Oshawa as a maintenance painter for 26 years before retiring in 2008. A complicated man, who at times displayed an obvious social anxiety, he could also make a room full of people laugh, and then quietly carry on being the star of his own show. He had a twinkle in his eyes and a grin on his face that gave away the fact that he was a character with quick wit and a sense of humour like no other.

A fun- loving free spirit, he would delight shoppers, who witnessed him standing on a full grocery cart riding the slope towards the car. At times he needed to be reminded that he should be a role model to kids, not necessarily be one. With twinkling eyes, he would say, “who me?” Who would do that so fearlessly? Only Jim.

Jim loved listening to music and singing, even though he couldn’t sing a note. Tone deafness never stopped him from belting out along with Janis Joplin! He claimed to be a decent cook, even though in reality, he was limited to the best pasta, bacon and eggs, French toast and peanut butter and banana sandwiches! He loved sunflowers raking leaves and shoveling snow. He despised racism, bad drivers, and sauerkraut.

Despite being a bit hyper, he did strive to become patient with the exception of whiners and golfers that took five practice swings at every hole.

Jim was a very loving man, with a kindness evident to everyone. He never hesitated in helping those in need whether it be family, friends, neighbours, or strangers. In any situation, if someone needed him, he rarely turned them down. Only Jim.

Over the years, Jim was a bowler, a hiker, a card shark, a pinball wizard, a sharp pool player and talented golfer. He loved to fly and enjoyed many holidays.

It was upon the discovery of “rail trailing” that helped us cope with a diagnosis of cancer while exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Hiking the Trans Canada Trail section after section, gave us time to explore, birdwatch and enjoy wildlife. We used that time together to reflect on our lives, while coping and preparing for the future. The trails were our refuge. We cycled the TCT on PEI, and hiked long sections in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Who had the will, the stamina and love to carry on the way he did? Only Jim.

Jim lived his life an eternal optimist, having a positive attitude, regardless of what life threw at him. He faced cruel hardship in his youth but had the strength and tenacity to build and live his best life. He became an amazing husband and the best dad he could be the two most important roles to him. Jim will be remembered and missed by all who knew him, and no one is feeling this tremendous loss more than the Rudd and Kloosterman families.

After the official, devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Jim said, “We are not going to waste one minute with tears. We are going to carry on living.” Only Jim.

We would like to offer sincere thanks to our retired family doctor, Dr. Bruce Cameron, for all his kind and compassionate care for 27 years. Special thank you goes to Dr. Darlene Lunn for taking care of Jim for the last 26 months in long-term care. Profound thanks go to NP Lynn Wyse for keeping Jim comfortable for the last couple of weeks. Deep and sincere thanks go to RN and Director of Care at Pleasant Meadow Manor, Jacqueline Preston for her problem-solving, dedication and facing the fiercest advocate that I’m sure she has not seen in years. Last, but not least, to my angels, (you know who you are), you will be in my heart forever.

To honour Jim’s wishes, there will be no service. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jim’s memory, it would be with deepest appreciation should you consider the Hastings Lang Rail Trail or the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough.