Malcolm Eugene James

JAMES- Malcolm (Malc)- died after a long illness in Woodstock, Ontario on Jan 19th, 2017. Malc is survived by his love of 48 years, Mary; their sons Cary (Roxana) and Matt (Rebecca); grandsons Noble and Julius; brothers Jerry (Nancy) and Aub (Susan); brother-in-law Peter Gracey, and sister-in-law Kate Mann. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law John, Michael, and David Gracey and Fritz Mann, and by his parents Norma and Ray James. Malcolm was born on November 11, 1941, in Truro, Nova Scotia and lived in Great Village, Nova Scotia until the family moved to Woodstock in 1947. Malcolm graduated from the University of Western Ontario, Hon. BSc and went on to work as a chemist at Dow Chemicals in Sarnia. He was lured back to a teaching job at Woodstock Collegiate Institute by his friend and mentor John Harvey. Known for years as "Chemistry James" as a way to differentiate between Malcolm, and his brother Jerry (known as "Geography James") who also taught at WCI. Malcolm enjoyed a long career as a dedicated and gifted teacher, frequently going to great lengths and spending many hours after class to ensure the success of his students. Malcolm retired as Head of Science at College Avenue Secondary School. Malc loved violins. He loved playing, studying, and building them too. A gifted fiddler and devotee of Don Messer, Malc's passion was for Down East, Old Time Fiddle Music. For years he played dances on Saturday nights at Fred Chesney's alongside his mom and great friend Harold Sommers before playing in Highway 6 with his Mom, his love Mary and his great friends Ruth, Dorothy and Anne. The culmination of their short career was a concert at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall; their music can be heard on their CD entitled "Highway 6 Recollections" project of the London Music and Memory Coalition. Although Malc was a gifted musician, teacher, and writer, the love of his immediate family- Mary, Cary, Roxana, Matt, Rebecca, Noble, and Julius - were his heart's connection and deep, lasting love. He took his role as the older brother of Jerry and Aub seriously throughout their lives, and his cousins were like brothers and sisters. Uncle Malc was devoted to his nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, wanting only the best for each. Above all, Malcolm was a private person devoted to his Nova Scotia home, science, music, nature, writing, and creating. He wanted you to know that on his passing, he set his atoms free! Visitation will be held on Monday, 23rd at Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, Ontario on Monday January 23rd 2017 after 12:30pm with service to follow at 1:30 pm (reception to follow). In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 36 Eglington Ave, West, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario. M4R 1A1. Online condolences at www.brockandvisser.com The family would like to thank Doctor Collins and Doctor Onishenko; Nurses Holly, Olivia, and Renee; PSW Irene; and the palliative team at Sakura House and Woodstock General Hospital

Visitation Details

Monday, January 23rd, 2017 12:30pm - 1:30pm, Brock and Visser Funeral Home

Service Details

Monday, January 23rd, 2017 1:30pm, Brock and Visser Funeral Home