Boothe, James Albert 'Jim'

Born in Toronto on December 6, 1925.  He was predeceased by his father Morwood Boothe; his mother Edna Boothe; his brother Jack Boothe (Irene); his sisters Helen Lennon (Frank) and Mary Spratt (Don); his sister-in-law Doreen Boothe; his first wife Eva Boothe, mother of his four children; and his son Cameron Boothe.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene Boothe; his daughters Carolyn Saunders (Brian), Diane Emilson, and Mary Jane Johnston (Rick); his daughter-in-law Sherry Boothe; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; his brother Bill Boothe; many nieces and nephews; and his stepdaughters Debby Morrison (Steve) and Darlene Zippel and their families.

Jim served in the Royal Canadian Navy and was stationed at HMCS Hamilton. Jim was a Professional Engineer and entrepreneur, he began his career in 1956 as a part-time engineer with Ford Motor Company in Windsor, Ontario. In 1961, he ventured into the dense phase air conveyor business on his own, incorporating Boothe Engineering Co. Ltd. in Ancaster, Ontario in 1965. He expanded internationally with the addition of Boothe Industries in Buffalo, New York in 1967. His work took him around the world, though he always valued time spent between his home bases in Ancaster, Ontario and Largo, Florida.

Jim enjoyed many sports, was a loyal fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and played both golf and tennis. His greatest passion, however, was sailing — where he found challenge, independence, and peace.

Jim lived a long and accomplished life defined by service, discipline, and independence. He was a kind, generous and reserved man who loved his children with all his heart. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his integrity, his strength of character, and the remarkable century of life he lived.

Jim’s family express their gratitude for the exceptional care he has received over the 7 years he has resided at Bay Haven Nursing Home in Collingwood.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date, at a date to be announced in the near future.

As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca