James "Jim" Hartill

HARTILL, James (Jim) Stanley – Passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge. He was 82.

Jim was born in Toronto to the late Stan and Dorothy Hartill on May 10, 1938.

He graduated from the University of Toronto as an electrical engineer in 1961 before a long and illustrious career at Ontario Hydro. He had clearly found his niche and, after several years working throughout the province, settled in at the company’s head office in Toronto in the 70s and retired as manager, transmissions stations department in 1995.

It was not long into his career at Hydro where Jim met his beloved Carol in North Bay. During their 54 years of marriage, they never fought. He was cherished father to Stephanie and Mary Beth and loving grandfather to Cameron and Paige Ballard. He leaves behind his best friend and brother John and sister-in-law Sandra Hartill and relatives and friends.

Jim possessed a life-long passion for music and was a valued member of the Humber Valley United Church choir in Etobicoke playing a large role in the annual Festival of Song for many years. It was a time in his life he looked back on fondly. Post retirement, he sang with the choir at Bracebridge United Church. He was also an accomplished pianist.

For Jim, retirement meant dedicating time selflessly giving back to the community spending many years volunteering for Bracebridge Meals on Wheels and the Manna Food Bank.

He was the humble recipient of many accolades over the years including the Bracebridge Senior Achievement Award from the Town of Bracebridge and the Stewardship Award from the Muskoka Heritage Foundation.

Jim will be ever remembered for his intelligence, sage advice, calm demeanour, quick wit, maple syrup and smile.

Due to COVID-19, a private family service will be streamed live from Reynolds Funeral Home on January 4th at 1 p.m., Please note:  If you have been provided with a link to the live stream service, please log-in at 12:30 p.m. on January 4th to avoid any technical difficulties prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m.

A graveside service will take place in spring. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Manna Food Bank or the Alzheimer Society and may be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home.