James Wilton

Wilton, James George On October 27, 2009 the earth's axis shifted and we lost the centre of our universe - an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. A tragic airplane accident in Michigan has shattered our world and broken our hearts. Jim was an extraordinary pilot who had initially been trained by a World War II veteran. He had over 8000 hours of flying time and last week, after suffering mechanical failure at takeoff, steered his plane to the ground, away from rush hour highway traffic, saving many lives while sacrificing his own. Our Jim was an exceptional man, larger than life and always on the go. He had boundless energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. His passions included sports, aviation, music, travel, storytelling, and life-long learning. He was an entrepreneur, receiving recognition in the automotive industry for over 30 years, and currently was semi-retired doing resort management in Muskoka, and partnering in Bulk Barn retail businesses. He enjoyed life to the fullest, thought the best of everyone and always had a kind word to share and a funny story to tell. He will be so deeply missed by his family and many friends there are not enough words to express our profound loss. Born September 22, 1949 and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Jim left an indelible mark on everything he pursued. A natural athlete, he played both hockey and football at a senior level throughout university making the newspapers weekly. He was scouted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, however chose to pursue professional hockey with St. Louis. He was a man of many achievements: a brown belt in judo in high-school, completed Grade 10 violin at university, and as a hobby made pro rodeo and set a record in steer wrestling, not to mention many water skiing performances at the family cottage on Clear Lake, Manitoba in his youth and for the past 17 years on Lake Muskoka. Predeceased by his parents William(Bill1992) and Sarah(Sally 2001) Wilton, Jim leaves behind his wife Angela Croswell-Wilton(Mooney); his children Michael(Mikey)and (Autumn), Christine(Bisquits) Dhanani and (Sultan), William Scott(Scottie) and (Mary), Chad(Bean) and (Sarah), and his step-daughter Rhiannon(Schmee) Beaubien and (Sylvain Pouliot); grandson Noah Dhanani; his brothers Bill(Peggy), Andy(Carol), Ted(Jennifer), and Murray(Holly); sister-in-laws Mona L'Ecuyer(Marcel) and Patricia Croswell (Jay) as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. Friends and family are welcome to share memories and celebrate Jim's life on Saturday November 14, at 2:00 pm, at Glenwood Chapel in Port Carling. If desired, in lieu of flowers or other charities, donations may be made in Jim's name to the Bracebridge Minor Hockey Association. Cheques can be left at the Celebration or mailed directly to "Bracebridge Minor Hockey Association, 169A James St., Bracebridge, ON, P1L 2B8. Arrangements entrusted to Reynolds Funeral Home ‘Turner Chapel', Bracebridge, ON. Messages of condolence can be made at www.reynoldsfuneral.com

Service Information

Saturday, November 14th, 2009 2:00pm, Church of The Way