It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved friend, brother and uncle. Jayme passed away peacefully November 13, 2019 at Hospice Niagara after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jayme demonstrated great courage and optimism during this struggle. Never one to complain, he faced every hurdle or treatment option with a positive spirit, always living in the moment.
Born March 11, 1953 in St Catharines ... he had an amazing life!!! Jayme started dancing at a very young age and after outgrowing the area he received a scholarship at the age of 13 to Harkness House Ballet School in New York City, later studying with Joffery Ballet company and with The Julliard. He spent his teenage years traveling the globe. Jayme learned to be very independent at an early age. In 1969, Jayme accepted a full scholarship with the National Ballet School in Toronto, he danced with Les Grand Ballets Canadiens in Montreal, the National Ballet of Canada as well as dancing in Chicago with the Chicago Ballet and the Lyric Opera House. Jayme was under the supervision of George Balanchine who had a great fondness for Jayme.
After a 15 year absence Jayme returned to Niagara in the late 80's where he showed his many talents. He started the St Catharines Dance company to teach classical dance to young students along with a company called Classic Window Display, which led to being in high demand for interior design. Jayme taught at Ridley College from 1990 to 2004 - he choreographed and did set design for the school's musicals during those years. In 1992, he started teaching dance (all types - not just ballet). In 1997, Dorothy Burgoyne and Ridley had instituted and endowed an award to recognize significant achievement in the school's dance program. In 2004, it was named The James Nesbitt Dance Trophy for Achievement in Dance to honour Jayme's contribution to the choreography of the school's productions and his coaching of dance.
In 2001, Jonquille Design was opened where Jayme and his business partner Jadwiga designed corporate events, including design work at many of the Casinos in Ontario. They were involved in many weddings, designing beautiful floral arrangements.... that business grew and grew until a brand new development happened with them opening The Butterfly Gallery in Niagara on the Lake and then Niagara Falls. Jayme has won numerous awards all over North America for his floral designs and was a well respected FTD florist.
Throughout his years Jayme dedicated so much time and efforts to help support different charities in the area, always with such attention to every detail and a great big smile and such a warm presence!
Jayme lost his partner and soul mate Chris Hyatt on November 7, 2009 and is predeceased by his parents; Herb and Mary Nesbitt and his nephew, Herbie Nesbitt. Jayme's loss affects many...he will be sadly missed by his brother Herb, sister-in-law, Arja, his nephew Weston and his wife Melissa, their children Ethan, Meghan and Hailey, and many members of the extended Nesbitt family; as well as his close friends Lisa Elliott, Edward Spera and their family; his friend and business partner Jadwiga, her husband Adam Dabrowski, and their family, his longtime friend Ineke Brinkman, the staff at the Butterfly Galleries, and all his dear friends, and neighbours - too many to mention!!!
His courage touched many friends, as well as medical and support-team members who assisted him. A special thanks for the care Jayme received at the Walker Family Cancer Center and at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, and all the wonderful, kind, compassionate staff at Hospice Niagara!!! Jayme was a true original, an extraordinary man and his light shone so bright!!!
A service will be held at HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church St., St. Catharines, (905 684 6346) on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 4 p.m. A celebration of Jayme’s life will immediately follow the service where family and friends will be received until 7 p.m. Cremation has taken place. A private inurnment will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to Hospice Niagara or the Walker Family Cancer Center would be greatly appreciated. On line tributes and condolences may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com
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