The family of Jim (James) Perrault are saddened to announce his passing on January 18, 2025, at the age of 87. Jim will be fondly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Betty; children: Les (Susan) and Donna; grandchildren: Taylor, Savannah (Alex) and Hailey; great-grandson: Cameron; sister-in-law: Bev Perrault; as well as numerous friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his brother Edwin; parents: Erwin and Muriel; father and mother-in-law: Harvey and Jean Meadows; brother and sister-in-law: George and June Meadows; son-in-law: Mike Spavor. Jim was raised in Grand Coulee, Saskatchewan. In 1955, he played skip for the Grand Coulee High School curling team that won the South Saskatchewan Jr. Championship. He remained an avid competitive curler as an adult and enjoyed the sport as a player and fan his whole life. At an early age, Jim met his sweetheart Betty Anne from the nearby town of Pense. They were married on October 12, 1957. Shortly afterwards, Jim was working as a Linotype machinist for the Leader Post newspaper in Regina. He received an opportunity to advance his career and moved to Fort William (now Thunder Bay) to work for the Times Journal newspaper. After leaving the newspaper business, he worked briefly at the Canadian Car plant (now Alstom) and then began the final chapter of his working life as a millwright with Erco Worldwide (also known as Sterling Pulp Chemicals). Jim participated in the commissioning of the Erco plants in Thunder Bay and Grande Prairie. It was then time to retire and move back to Thunder Bay to be with his family. Jim and Betty had a wonderful life together. As a founding member of the legendary “Happy Gang”, Jim was always surrounded by friends and family. He showed us all the value of playing as hard as you worked. Jim and Betty spent many happy winters together as snowbirds in Arizona. During these trips, they made many lifelong friends and saw much of the southwest United States. Their adventures also took them from Alaska to Europe and Australia. Jim’s proudest and happiest moments were always with family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to be in the great outdoors. That could mean travelling round trip to Newfoundland in a tent trailer in two weeks or spending every weekend at Sibley or Quetico Provincial Park. His wanderlust and appreciation of nature lives in us all. Back at home, Jim was always quick to lend a helping hand or offer his sage advice on how to have the best lawn in the neighbourhood. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held January 31, 2025, from 2:00pm - 4:30pm at the Slovak Legion, 801 Atlantic Avenue, Thunder Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff and healthcare professionals at: the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre - Cancer Treatment Centre; St. Joseph’s Hospital – Hospice and Palliative Care Group; and the staff at Chartwell’s Thunder Bay residence. Jim received such wonderful care and compassion from the people at each of these facilities.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
