Obituary of James William Upton

It is with great sadness that the family of James “Jim” William Upton announce his passing at age 75, on November 19, 2024, in Fort McMurray, AB. Jim was born March 28, 1949, to George and Betty Upton in Montreal, Quebec. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lilly: his children: Sheryl, Trevor (Arielle), and Tara (Matt); his beloved grandchildren: Taegan, Caprice, Holly, Coraline, Cassidy, Brooks, Lana, Daemon and Melissa; his brothers: Bob and David; and sister, Margaret.

He was best known to many by his faith, big heart and sense of humour. Jim, or “Jimmy” as he was called in his younger years, lived all his childhood in Two Mountains, Quebec. As a child he was active in the Catholic Youth Organization, involved in scouting and hockey. In his early twenties, Jim joined the Canadian Armed Forces, serving two years in the Arctic as a Communications Research Technician (where he first met his future wife, Lilly). After his military service, his training as a Mining Technician led Jim to work for a mining operation in Sudbury, Ontario. An industrial accident cut his initial mining career short when a rock fell and crushed his hip. He had emergency surgery where he received an artificial hip. While rehabilitating from surgery, Jim reconnected with Lilly, and in 1979 moved to Fort McMurray where they were married. Jim then went on to have a dedicated career at Suncor Energy for 33 years.

Despite his bad hip, Jim remained active in his life, with countless bike rides and working on projects around his home, his yard or the Church. He had an interest in old automobiles, reading war and spy novels, and going for a drive with a coffee while listening to CBC radio. Watching wildlife and exploring around the next corner pleased him.  

He was deeply involved with the Catholic Church, as well as the Knights of Columbus for 31 years, in senior leadership roles, and a Fourth Degree Knight, becoming an Honorary Life Member. He spent endless hours mowing the church lawn or shovelling snow at the church, in addition to planting his beloved Manitoba Maple tree which is still flourishing in front of St John the Baptist Catholic Parish. He also spearheaded projects like the recycling of the fence boards at the pre-demolition of Willow Square for funds towards the church, and Bible distribution program for young Catholic students.

Jim loved his family wholeheartedly, and together, Lilly and Jim celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past October. In later years, Jim cherished opportunities to travel with Lilly on a pilgrimage to Italy, a Baltic cruise and visiting with his siblings on the east coast. Jim always enjoyed going for drives with Lilly and loved helping those less fortunate by giving food or monetary gifts. He acted in accordance with Mother Teresa’s saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one”.

Even with his mobility issues, he remained positive and never complained about his circumstances. His kindness always shone through and he always maintained his great sense of humour. Jim was easy to talk to, and many sought guidance from him. He touched lives in a way that will never be forgotten by those around him.