Martin James "Jim" Bjarnason

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, on March 9, 1934, Jim was raised in Manitoba. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 and began what would become a remarkable career in Canadian immigration.

Jim served with the Canadian Immigration Service in a number of international postings, including as Immigration Officer-in-Charge in Berlin and Munich, and as Consul of Canada at Hamburg and in Ponta Delgada in the Portuguese Azores. His work took him across Europe and gave him a lifelong understanding of the challenges and possibilities of building a new life, as well as the hopes and opportunities that Canada offered.

In 1970, Jim followed his entrepreneurial spirit and established M. J. Bjarnason & Associates Co. Ltd. in Toronto, one of the early immigration consulting practices in Canada. In 1985, he expanded his business to Hong Kong through Bjarnason & Associates Ltd. Over the course of his career, he helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate the Canadian immigration process and pursue their dreams of a new life in Canada.

Jim was also an author and educator. He published four books on Canadian immigration: How to Become an Immigrant to Canada (1981), A Guide to Canadian Immigration (1991), Migrating to Canada: How to Apply Successfully for Permanent Residence (1996), and Getting into Canada: How to Make a Successful Application for Permanent Residence (2001). Through his books and his professional work, he shared his knowledge generously with people around the world.

But Jim's greatest accomplishments were not only professional. He was a loving husband to Feanny, a caring father to Eric and Karin (from an earlier marriage to Carol Anne) and Daniel who was born with cerebral palsy and with developmental disabilities. Jim took enormous pride in Daniel's achievements, from learning to sit and push himself up, to crawling and eventually walking with a walking ladder. Caring for Daniel brought Jim both challenges and profound joy.

Jim was curious about the world and enjoyed travelling, reading, golf, fishing, writing and watching television. He followed world news and politics closely and loved old movies, crime fiction and a good joke. He had a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed funny stories and old sitcoms. He also had a special appreciation for life's simple pleasures: hot coffee, Diet Coke, chocolate, ice cream and Chinese food.

His favourite songs included On the Road Again, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Top of the World, I Have a Dream, Daniel, and Save the Last Dance for Me—songs that will forever bring memories of him to those who loved him.

Jim will be deeply missed by Feanny and his youngest son Daniel; and lovingly remembered by his children Eric (Shannon) and Karin (Michel); his grandchildren Stephen, Laura, Isabelle, Madeleine and Zale; and his great-grandson Lachlan; as well as his nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Muriel Bjarnason; his stepmother, Laura; his brother Carl; his sister-in-law, Pat.

Jim believed in helping others, giving generously, laughing often and loving unconditionally. His life's work opened doors for people seeking a better future, while his love and dedication touched the lives of his family and friends.

He hoped to be remembered as a loving husband and father, a man who helped others, a person with a wonderful sense of humour, and someone who was loved by many.

Above all, Jim was a gentle man. His laughter, stories, kindness and love will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, personal support workers (PSWs), and all the staff on 4 North at Cummer Lodge Long Term Care for the excellent care, kindness and compassion they gave Jim during his stay. We are deeply grateful for everything they did to make his final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Jim’s memory may consider making a contribution to Jim's beloved son Daniel's care and support in the months ahead. You may contact [email protected].

Jim's Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday September 26, 2026, at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street in North York. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3pm and Service will begin at 3pm.

May Jim rest peacefully, knowing that the lives he touched—and especially the people he helped build new lives in Canada—are part of his enduring legacy.