James George English

A naturalist and poet by nature, James George English led a long and interesting life. A descendant of canoe builders in Peterborough, Ontario, his love of the natural world began during summers spent at the cottage on Fife’s Bay, Chemong Lake. He forged a career first in journalism, then public relations and finally working with students at both Queen’s and Trent Universities. Before obtaining a journalism degree from the University of Western Ontario, he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the latter years of World War II. His career in journalism included stints as a reporter for the Toronto Star, as well as city and news editors for both the Peterborough Examiner and three weekly newspapers in the Peace River Country in northern Alberta and British Columbia. While at the Examiner, Jim was headhunted to take a position as Director of Public Relations at Queen’s University in Kingston. While there he was approached by Tom Symons to take up a similar position at Trent. His move, he mentioned, was predicated on the fact that fly fishing around Peterborough was much better than near Kingston. While at Trent he spent his latter, and in his opinion more interesting years as Director of Student Services. For almost 67 years Jim and Barbara (nee: Cook) shared an amazing bond in marriage and friendship, setting an admirable example not only for their children but grandchildren as well. Jim was predeceased by his mother (Nell nee: Read), his father William, and his sister Elizabeth (Betsy). He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; four children: Jennifer, Donna (and Garry Olson), Marley (and Bill Waiser) and Michael (and Sherry Schiff) 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. James passed away on 30 June 2017 at the age of 91. He was an intelligent, well read, kind, compassionate and wickedly funny man who remembered everywhere he had been by what he ate while there! He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the very kind and compassionate support of the administration and staff at Rubidge Retirement Residence as well as Dr. Susan Tainsh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering a donation to Christian Horizons, an organization dedicated to helping mentally challenged adults. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on 10 September 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at COMSTOCK-KAYE LIFE CELEBRATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, Ontario. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com