James Andrew McCorkell

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jim McCorkell, who left us on Monday, June 30th, 2025, in Peterborough. Jim would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on September 12th this year.

Born in St. Thomas, Ontario, Jim's early years were spent there until 1959 when the family relocated to Lakeshore Road in Sarnia. He attended Northern Collegiate High School, Port Huron Junior College, and Western Michigan University. Jim's career as a Mechanical Engineer took him and his family on many adventures, including stints in Fort McMurray (Alberta), Saudi Arabia, and Libya.

Jim's professional journey began at Dow Chemical in Sarnia, followed by a brief period in Fort McMurray. The family then moved to Saudi Arabia, where Jim worked for Aramco. This move provided his children with unique experiences, such as playing in the desert, making international friends, and traveling to places like Cyprus, Mallorca, Spain, and Portugal.

Upon returning to Canada, the family lived in Halifax briefly before settling in Southwestern Ontario, in Corunna, where Jim worked for Polysar/Nova Chemicals. After his divorce from Sheila Sullivan, Jim continued his career overseas with Zueitina Oil Co in Libya. He had a passion for fixing things, which extended to all household items, always eager to repair rather than discard.

In 2010, Jim moved to Peterborough, Ontario. Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, fixing things, playing with computers, and photography. In his final months, he was dedicated to documenting old family photos. In recent years, he reconnected with old friends, bringing joy to his life. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. John Clubb, Dick Bradley, Irene Flory (Makra), Diane MacCormack, and Donnie Sullivan for their companionship and bringing this joy to Dad in his final years.

Jim is predeceased by his brother John Burton McCorkell, his parents Rhoda and Charles McCorkell, and his ex-wife Sheila Sullivan. He is survived by his brother Drew McCorkell (Oliphant), his nieces and nephews Tom, Greg, Bill, Staci & Kelly, his children AJ, Mike, and Beth (Jordan), and his grandchildren Mikey and Jameson Tindale.

Jim will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and sociable man who inspired his children to be curious, adventurous, and resourceful. Cremation has taken place, and an intimate celebration of life will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest alongside his parents in Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia.

We invite mourners to share their stories and photos of Jim on this website. Peterborough Obituaries - Community Alternative.

Keep smiling and loving