James Austin Carruthers

James Austin Carruthers was born on November 9,1939 in Sarnia to Dr. Walter B. and Edna Mae “Julie” Carruthers. He was the second of their four children. He had an older sister Helen and two younger brothers, Chris and Walter.

James married the love of his life Karen (née Storer) in 1971. They welcomed their daughter Sara in 1973 and their son Ian in 1977. James always put his family first. He never missed Sara's dance and piano recitals or Ian’s hockey and baseball games. There were trips out East to visit Karen’s parents in New Brunswick every summer where James enjoyed fly fishing at his father-in-law’s camp on the Miramichi River. He was a devoted and loving “Grampy,” to his 4 grandchildren Cameron, Callum, Ryan, and Brennan, always eager to hear the scores from their sports games and activities they were interested in.

James, known to many as Jim, Jamie, or J.A., grew up on Norman Street in Sarnia and spent his childhood with a lively group of friends, which included his brothers Chris and Walter, as well as Tommy Belton, and the Evans boys: Ted, Mac and George Jr. James was known to drive his mother’s car on the back roads at age 12 and sneak smoking breaks in the upstairs bathroom.

James built a 37-year career with the Bank of Montreal as a loyal employee, working in different capacities until his retirement in 1998. He was an active member at Emmanuel United Church serving as both Chair of the Board and Chair of Finance as well as volunteering his time with the Chinguacousy Minor Hockey Association when his son was playing.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Karen of 55 years, his children Sara (Craig) and Ian (Lisa), his grandchildren Cameron, Callum, Ryan and Brennan, his brother Dr. Chris Carruthers (late Donna), his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kristan and Joe McKercher, his nieces and nephews Jonathan (Keri), Kourtney (John), Lisanne (Paul), Allison and Kenny, his childhood buddy Tommy Belton (Laura) and lifelong friend John Hillier (Fern) as well as his granddog Archie. He is predeceased by his sister Helen and brother Walter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Emmanuel United Church or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.