Obituary of James Duncan Whitehead
WHITEHEAD, James Duncan
Feb 23,1953 - Jun 10, 2024
Jim passed away suddenly on June 10, 2024 in his home. He was a loving
partner of many years to his wife, Janet Kennedy and will be dearly
missed by his sister, Louise Whitehead, his brother Bruce Whitehead, his
nephews Andrew Whitehead, Steven Guy & Jeffrey Guy, his brother-in-law,
Dwaine Odinson, and other close family. He was predeceased by his
father, Hubert Whitehead, his mother, Mary Manzer Whitehead, his
brother, Alan Whitehead and his sister-in-law, Beverly Whitehead
(Dunsmore).
Jim was born in Halifax and soon moved to Shawinigan Falls then on to
Niagara Falls where he started going to school. He then moved on to
Buckingham briefly before landing in Pointe Claire. Jim attended Lindsay
Place High School where he met many lifelong friends. After high school
he went to John Abbott CEGEP where he become involved with the theatre
group there sparking a lifelong relationship with drama and theatre.
After a short term at McGill, Jim went to Carleton University studying
English and Journalism. After graduating from Carleton, Jim went to
Queens where he got his teaching degree while working as a bartender.
He then ended up teaching in North Bay for a couple of years before
moving to teach high school in Calgary. After many years in Calgary, Jim
moved back to North Bay teaching English and Drama there for many more
years before retiring. He brought many of his high school drama groups
through successful productions and provincial competitions.
Jim was an exceptional human being, a treasure to all who knew him. As
a drama teacher he devoted his life to his students, viewing them as his
own children and helped them to build confidence and healthy lives.
Jim acquired a wealth of friends from classmates, colleagues and his own
students along his journeys and managed to keep contact with a large
number of those friends through the years. After he retired, Jim got
together with Janet Kennedy, an old friend from his days in Pointe
Claire. They grew closer, became inseparable and lived together before
moving from the north to the south shore of Canada in Crystal Beach,
Ontario and getting engaged. They spent many wonderful and happy years
together.
Jim always managed to keep in close contact with his family, many
relatives and varied circles of friends. He would travel often to visit
with these many people. He was an avid sports fan and fervent follower
of his favourite teams including the Canadiens, Expos, Celtics,
Argonauts and Browns. Along with his friend Randy, Jim managed to see a
game in every major league baseball park across North America.
Jim was a kind and thoughtful person who not only touched, but made a
very positive impact on so many for so long. He will be greatly missed,
forever loved and fondly remembered for his kindness, honesty and
humorous ways.
Funeral will be held at Williams Funeral Home, 722 Ridge Rd. N.,
Ridgeway, Ontario. Visitation will be at 11:00 am and service at 12:00
pm. on Saturday June 22, 2024. Private interment in Quebec.
Light lunch after service at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #230, 228 South Mill St. Ridgeway, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Last Chance Horse and Pony
Rescue and Sanctuary in Crystal Beach, Ontario. https://lchpr.org/
