Winstone James

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Winstone 'Winnie' James, on December 16th, 2020, in his 86th year of life. He was born to John 'Sonny' Morgan & Eleanor 'Betsy' James in Plymouth, Montserrat in the West Indies. Raised by a single mother during difficult times, he was guided by the time-tested principles known as the 'Scouts’ Law to build a life of honor and integrity that took him from his humble beginnings to the ranks of The Royal British Legion.

He migrated to England at 18 years old to pursue his passion for love of food and the culinary arts and worked as a pastry chef. At age 21 he changed careers and apprenticed with Scotland Yard Police Service in Westminster, London that led him to The Royal British Legion. Winstone’s first child was Jacqueline Pond who was born in London before he met and married the woman who stole his heart, Annette 'Anne' French in December 1958. They had three children, Jerome, Evelyn, and Stephanie.

In 1962 the family immigrated to Canada following opportunities in his trade as a pattern maker and product developer at Biltmore Chesterfield. He moved through the ranks to become plant manager and remained with the company until it closed in 1989.

In 1998, a then divorced Winstone moved back to England to be with his second wife and stayed for five years before returning to Montreal.

He retired as an interior design upholsterer at Elan Furniture.

Winstone enjoyed a rewarding retirement keeping busy playing darts at the LaSalle (212) Branch of The Royal Canadian Legion. Helping others while pursuing some of his entrepreneurial dreams that included baking his famous coconut tarts, decorating cakes, marketing a line of jewelry, creating photography or fine woodwork projects, re-upholstering furniture, or using his pattern making skills to make bags, clothes, or coats. He was known as Winnie, The Professor, The General or 'Mr. Fix It’, the ‘Jack of all trades’ because he was constantly helping others and fixing something. As long as your intentions were good and you didn’t take advantage of his kindness, he was always willing to help.

He always made time for those he loved and those who valued him did the same.

Winstone was known for his kind heart, jovial laughter, comedic sense of humor, generosity, and hardworking entrepreneur spirit. He treated all who crossed his path with the utmost respect and avoided unnecessary conflict at all cost.

In 1997, he was thrown into the heart of darkness with the passing of his daughter Evelyn who died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm. Eventually he found ways to move forward and move through the pain productively.

Winstone was also a vibrant joker, who was fun loving, caring, good-natured, respectful, and a considerate person. He will be remembered as a good man with a complex character and a beautiful soul.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Venus Pond, his children Jacqueline Pond, Jerome, Stephanie James and his grandchildren Malik, Theon, Jason, Shaina, Jamaal & Malaina James, Anthony July, Keisha, Warren Pond. He was respected and adored by his youngest granddaughter, Briauna James. He is also survived by his great grandchildren.

Also mourning his passing are his siblings: Helen Walling, Ismae Lewis, Catherine George, Roland Morgan, Catherine 'Annie' Shomefun, Mildred Palmer, Laureen Morgan, Rupert Morgan and Eric Morgan. Along with nieces, nephews, cousins, friends that have become family and his dedicated healthcare supporters.

Arrangements have been made amid COVID-19 restrictions for a private ceremony on January 29, 2021 by invitation for invited guests who honored and respected him. The family’s sincere gratitude to all those who have been there for us and have RSVP'D their attendance.

Winstone James was our Hero…A shining light and a ray of sunshine on the best days or on the worst days. He will be greatly missed by those who genuinely loved him and had the pleasure of knowing him up close and personal.