James Forbes (Jim) Duthie

Apr 18, 2018

In the arms of his loving family, as the sun set april 10th, James Forbes (Jim) Duthie passed away peacefully. Beloved husband and best friend of Sheila (nee code) for 62 years. cherished father of Merydee Duthie (David Radburn), kristy Brundage (Michael) and James Duthie (Cheryl). Much loved Bapa to Mackenzie and Alannah Radburn, Harrison, carter, anna and emmett Brundage, Jared, Darian and Gracie Duthie. Will be dearly missed by his extended family in B.C, who though far away in distance were always close to his heart. A kamloops boy, Jim joined the RCMP at age 19, fulfilling a boyhood dream. Over his 35 year career, he served in Ontario, alberta, British columbia and Nova Scotia, retiring in 1986 as Assistant commissioner. Jim and Sheila retired to Big clear Lake, near arden, Ontario. Over the years, the cottage welcomed family, friends, friends of family and friends of friends. it's been the site of christenings, a wedding, grandkids' end of school parties, easter Sunday breakfasts, canada Day fireworks, Christmas gatherings, and Jim and Sheila's 50th and 60th anniversary parties. Jim drove the boat for endless waterskiing and tubing runs, planted a plethora of petunias, and always insisted on washing the dishes. Throughout his life, Jim served his community. He coached youth soccer in both Victoria and Gloucester, was an active member of Rothwell and arden united churches, and served with the "Friends of Arden" and "The Happy Gang" until his passing. He was infamous for heading off to meetings assuring Sheila he wouldn't volunteer for anything, and coming home president of the organization.Music was a huge part of Jim's life. He started his first band, "The Scholars", at 16, and played in his last "The Ardenaires" at 86. In between, he was the lead percussionist in the RCMP band for 10 years, played keyboard and accordion at the church in the Wildwood, and sang bass with the Arden Glee Club. His late afternoon keyboard improvisations were the soundtrack of our summers. Jim was Ottawa's greatest football fan. For over 60 years, he never missed a Roughriders/ Renegades/REDBLACkS game, and though his loyalty was tested, he was rewarded in his last two seasons with a thrilling Grey cup win in 2016, and a centre field seat to this year's big game in his home stadium. He was an avid gardener, a lover of butter tarts, a captivating storyteller and an unparalleled scavenger (no trip to the auction or the cottage dump ended without a 'perfectly good' find to take home). To the 5th floor oncology staff at the ottawa General Hospital, our immense gratitude for your incredible care for Jim and for our family. your compassion and professionalism made Jim's last days comfortable. Special appreciation to DJ for making our family easter dinner possible.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Arden united Church, Saturday, April 28 at 1pm. Reception to follow at the kennebec Community Centre. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the arden united church, 1076 Railway St. arden, oN k0H 1B0 or debracanada.org (Jim was a great admirer of Jonathan Pitre).