Obituary of James Richard "Jim" Fish

FISH, James Richard “Jim” - Of St. Thomas, passed away at his residence on Saturday, July 25, 2020, in his 85th year. Loving father of Susan Bhatnagar (Sanjay) of Oakville, Steven Fish (Melissa Neil) of Hamilton, and David Fish (Meredith Blidner) of Toronto. Devoted grandfather to Nikhil, Sean, Esme and Sam.  Dear brother of Margot Fish of Toronto, Carol Van Boxtel (Paul) of London, Vicky Davis (Mike) of Wallaceburg and the late Betti Hart (late Bill).  Jim will also be greatly missed by his former wife and close friend, Jane (née Rawlings) Fish, and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.   

Born in Chatham, ON, June 19, 1936, he was the son of the late Norman and Mary (née Boulton) Fish. An ambulance driver and bush pilot as a young man, Jim then turned his attention to education.  As a BA graduate of The University of Western Ontario, he completed the Professional Education program and eventually a MEd at Wayne State University.  Jim became a dedicated secondary school educator, working as both an English & Guidance teacher and also training other teachers in the area to be Guidance teachers. This lead to his work as Vice-Principal at Parkside Collegiate Institute, East Elgin Secondary School, Central Elgin Collegiate Institute and Arthur Voaden Secondary School, from where he retired in 1996. A second career in international education began after retirement, when he worked as a Principal and education consultant at schools in the United Arab Emirates, China, and Ontario. 

While his passion for sports was unbridled, his devotion to the game of hockey was foremost: as a player with several Oldtimers’ organizations (to the very end), as a coach for St. Thomas Minor Hockey, and as a strong supporter of the many St. Thomas Stars players who passed through his schools. He served on the Boards of both the St. Thomas Figure Skating Association and the St. Thomas Stars. 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the future when it is safe for everyone to do so.  Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be made in Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg.  Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario will be gratefully acknowledged. Also, contributions may be made to the James Fish Memorial Award. In order for a notification of your donation to be given to the family, please contact the SIFTON FUNERAL HOME, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160). Donations can be made online at www.tvdsb.ca/donate or by mailing directly to the Thames Valley Education Foundation using the form provided below.