James (Jim) Jim Jelly

An angel has left us today. With the key to heaven, Jim peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 surrounded by the loves of his life; his wife Susan of 38 years and his daughter Jessica. A truly humble and honourable gentleman, he fought his illness the same way he lived. Jim’s courage, positive outlook and astounding strength throughout his battle with Mesothelioma cancer was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He lived well, laughed often and loved much. He left this world knowing he was loved. He will be forever missed by his loving wife Susan and cherished daughter Jessica and the love of her life, Robert. Predeceased by his father Laurence and mother Charlotte, brothers-in-law Tony and Peter. Forever missed by his brother Ken (Mary), and Bob (Carol), his sisters Helen (Fred), Margaret (Whitney), Edith (Lavern), Maryanne and Jean. Jim will also be fondly remembered by Beryl (Jim), Leesa, Vinko and their beautiful daughter Ashley. Noreen (Jeff) and Rachel (Jason). Leaving behind many nieces and nephews, great friends and his furry buddies Lucky, Maggie, Milo, Moe, Tinkerbell, Dakota, Sadie and Lola. Special thanks to the relatives, nieces, nephews and dear friends who extended their support and love during this difficult journey. Many thanks to Leesa, Vinko, Ashley and Beryl who walked with us for this entire journey. We will be forever grateful for your love, and continual support to all of us. We would like to thank Dr. Tuttle, Dr. De Perrot from Toronto General Hospital and all of the staff on Ward 10, especially Eileen and Carmon for taking such good care of our Jimmy. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mesothelioma research at the Toronto General Hospital in Jim’s name would be greatly appreciated. A beautiful life has come to an end; he died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts his memory will always be kept, of the one we love and will never forget. For in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the live in your years. Friends will be received at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue East, Hamilton, on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Mesothelioma Research at the Toronto General Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Online tributes and condolences may be placed at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com

Sleep tight

don’t let the Bed Bugs Bite

If they do

Squeeze them tight

And they won’t bother you tomorrow night

Love you Forever

xoxoxoxo

Tribute to Uncle Jim

God works in mysterious ways. We will never understand why Uncle Jim was taken from us far too early but..."in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

Uncle Jim Lived his life fully and passionately.

First and foremost he was a loving husband and a devoted father. Aunt Sue was the love of his life...his high school sweetheart, his best friend, his wife, his soul mate. They were two halves of a whole and they complimented and balanced each other perfectly. Jessica was his pride and joy! There was nothing that he would not do for her and her happiness and success was his joy. He was so proud of all of her accomplishments but more importantly he loved and respected that she was a kind and caring person. She was his princess and he was happy to know that she had found her Prince in Rob.

To the rest of us in this room he was a brother, a friend, an uncle, a mentor, a co-worker...and to me and my family he was the greatest Uncle in the world.

My husband Vinko referred to Uncle Jim as a stand up guy...a "man's man"...your go to guy...the person you would want on your side to back you up. He was a no nonsense man...he was always honest and true and would tell you like it is... he was slow to anger and quick to forgive. He was charming and delightful, he was loving and kind.

He was generous with his time and skills which were many. He was the first person there to help you if you needed it and he did it out of the goodness of his heart. No strings attached. His work ethic was beyond compare. At sixty he put to shame many people half his age. He was strong and committed. If there was hard work to be done he didn't shy away.

Not only was he a Plumber and a handyman extraordinaire who could fix anything...he was a modern day renaissance man...A man of many interest, talents and skills.

His athletic prowess was varied. He was an avid swimmer, a skilled pool shark, a good golfer, and he could give you a run for your money at bowling, darts, football, pool, volleyball or anything he set his mind to.

As a renaissance man his culinary skills went far beyond the bbq. He loved baking pies (from his mom's recipes) and muffins...he taught us how to roast and carve a turkey...his butternut squash was to die for...his soups and stews were divine...he wasn't intimidated by canning and making homemade preserves. And not too long ago I brought an edible fruit arrangement which I had brought to a party at his house; then to show me just how talented he was, he brought a beautifully carved watermelon in the shape of a bunny to the next get together at my house. The only difference was he did the detailed carving and arrangement himself (ok maybe Jessica helped a bit).

My daughter Ashley loved and enjoyed that he was a kid at heart and was never embarrassed to show it. He could laugh easily at himself and he loved to joke around. He loved thrill rides and waterslides and none were too big or small. From cannonballs to flying squirrels he could do them all and most of us have lost a swimming race to him at some point over the years. He loved to see kids laugh and have fun and would play at their level. Whether playing dress up or McDonald's, getting his hair styled by the girls with pretty bows and barrettes it was all ok with him. He also did an awesome imitation of Donald Duck.

He enjoyed playing dice, a good game of cards (even if Brenda and Aunt Sue were cheating) and no puzzle was too hard for him to help you finish.

He loved spending time outdoors, whether enjoying a coffee in the gazebo that he built, helping Aunt Sue tend to their beautiful gardens, feeding the Blue Jays, Cardinals and many other birds that graced their yard, having a hot-dog or smores over the open fire, camping and fishing...these things all brought joy to him.

He was a mentor and tutor to many. If math was your enemy...Uncle Jim was your friend....there was no math problem that he couldn't solve. If you needed someone to look up to and give you good guidance (or a good kick in the rear) he was there.

Most of all he enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He never needed a special occasion to spend time together. Some of my fondest memories are from our many casual get-togethers.

Uncle Jim Lived his life with grace and dignity. This remained true when he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. He faced the battle with courage and strength. Never once did he feel sorry for himself, he never complained, he was always positive, he remained caring and compassionate to everyone else (including his doctors and nurses) and he fought valiantly and courageously up to the end.

There are only a handful of people who come into your world and touch your life in an everlasting fashion. Uncle Jim touched Vinko, Ashley and my life forever.

He was a true gentleman and an inspiration to us all. We will remember, love and miss him always.

We love you Uncle Jim

Always and Forever

Leesa, Vinko and Ashley

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Foot Prints

One night a man had a dream.

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.

For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life

it really bothered him so he question the Lord about it:

Lord, yousaid that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I donèt understand why when I needed you the most you would leave me.

The Lord Replied:

My precious, precious chid, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

Remember Me

Do not shed tears when I have gone but smile instead because I have lived.

Do not shut your eyes and pray to God that I'll come back, but open your eyes and see all that I have left behind.

I know your heart will be empty because you cannot see me but still I want you to be full of the love we shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live only for yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of what happened between us yesterday.

You can remember me and grieve that I have gone or you can cherish my memory and let it live on.

You can cry and lose yourself, become distraught and turn your back on the world or you can do what I would do... Smile, wipe away the teas, keep on loving and go on.

David Harkins