Obituary of James Hilton Pride

PRIDE – James “Jim” Hilton

James “Jim” Hilton Pride passed away on December 27, 2018, at the age of 82 at Eastholme, Powassan, surrounded by his loving family.  Jim is now with his Lord and Saviour and is reunited with his parents, Hilton and Hilda Pride, and his younger brother, David (Carol).

Jim is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Vana (nee Archer), his loving children Cathy Fry (Brian), Jonathan (Micheline) and Sara Byrne (Todd), and his grandchildren, Joshua (Bailey), Megan, Emma, Vanessa and Olivia.

Jim was born in Kitchener-Waterloo on July 16, 1936. As a young man, he attended Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Bob Jones University in South Carolina. He became an ordained minister and had his first church in Oakville. Jim’s calling to God also brought him to meet his future wife, Vana, at a church social. In the late 1960s, Jim began his career with the provincial government and lived in several northern Ontario communities including Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, before settling the family in North Bay to continue his work with the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Throughout his life, Jim devoted himself to the betterment of others.

Jim is best remembered as a husband, father, and grandfather. To his family, he imparted his unwavering kindness, faith, humility, and generosity. Even when faced with Alzheimer’s disease, Jim’s gentleness never faltered, and his love of family was always felt. Jim’s family life was marked by laughter, learning, and faith. He was keen to spend time with his grandchildren at home and at the cottage, and was always willing to go out for that extra swim in the lake, or to read one more chapter, or to tell one more story; all of which he did enthusiastically. Jim was a truly virtuous man, and is now at peace.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the loving and compassionate staff at Eastholme who worked tirelessly to provide comfort and support during this difficult time.

Family receiving friends at the Martyn Funeral Home in North Bay on Friday, January 11, 2019 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.  A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Greenwood Baptist Church at 11 am.

If desired, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Child Evangelism Fellowship of Canada or the charity of your choice.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26.