James ‘Jim’ Wesley Waldie
June 11, 2020
It is with profound sadness that the family of James Wesley Waldie announces his passing on Thursday, June 11th, 2020, at the age of 80 years. Living his life to the fullest ‘his way’ is how we would describe Jim. He was born to Donna and Tom in St. Thomas on April 21st, 1940. By all accounts, he was a handful; although he gave his mother many grey hairs, he was able to channel his energy and drive into a lifetime of successful ventures. Jim started with a brief stint in the dry cleaning business, and after became involved in commercial trucking. He started with Waldie Transport in his early twenties and further developed his keen entrepreneurial spirit to build and expand a number of profitable trucking operations. After Jim sold Waldie Transport, he worked for Livingston Industries for a few years. In 1975, Jim acquired London White Trucks. He then expanded to Sarnia, Windsor, and Kitchener, and subsequently attained the Freightliner Franchise for all of Southwestern Ontario. Additionally, Jim established Elgin Leasing in St. Thomas, which provided heavy-duty trucks and trailers to companies in the region. In 1994, Jim sold his interest in Freightliner. The following year he started Elgin Motor Freight, which was to be his final venture in the trucking industry. In 2001 Jim sold his company to Challenger Motor Freight; it was time to embrace a well-deserved retirement. Throughout Jim’s life he wore numerous hats and was successful with many business ventures, including: a travel agency, a restaurant, and real estate. He made sure to live life to the fullest, and had many passions. Jim loved powerful cars and going fast; he had many speeding tickets to prove it. Boating was a favourite pastime and many happy memories were created on the high seas. Jim had an affinity for gadgets and always had the latest electronics to run his ship. He and Ingrid built a beautiful life on ‘the farm’ with all it entailed: the orchard, the dogs, the golf cart, and the fish pond. Sharing the farm and its amenities with friends and family was his pleasure. Jim went by many names: “Jimby”, “Jumbo”, “Pops”, and “Wally” were just a few. He was a real character and always had a crazy story to tell (most of them were true!). If you messed up, you were a ‘bonehead’ or something even less complimentary. Everyone was given a nickname, some more flattering than others. He loved his C. C. and water, and together with Ingrid, hosted some epic parties. The annual canoe races down Dingman Creek were life-altering and were talked about for years afterward. Jim was a generous person; it was really important to him to give back, especially to the medical organizations that were a part of his journey. He was a generous donor to the London Health Sciences Foundation, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, and St. Joseph’s Hospice. The Salvation Army and the Humane Society were also beneficiaries of his goodwill. Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Ingrid, and his daughters Jennifer (Dwayne) and Jacquie. He was much loved by his brother-in-law, Ronald (Diane) Belaen, nieces Tonya (Ryan), Amanda (Billy), and nephew Trevor. Too numerous to mention are the many special friends who impacted him greatly throughout his life, he loved you all. A private service will be conducted with the immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date when restrictions are eased. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Westmount Kidney Care Centre, the St. Elizabeth Palliative Care team, and the many doctors and nurses who have been involved in Jim’s care along the way. A special thank you goes out to Rose Leitch, a special friend who was Ingrid’s rock and Jim’s angel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to The Salvation Army or The Kidney Foundation of Canada – London District.
Leave a tribute for James ‘Jim’ Wesley Waldie
Leave a tribute
Ingrid we are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing.He was a great guy with a huge heart... Jim will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to you Ingrid,Jennifer and Jacque. Take good care... Your friend always,Reggie and Phil
Ingrid we were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. In difficult times like this you can take some comfort from your many happy memories together. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We will remember Jim fondly.
With over 65 years of friendship, comes endless memories. They were polar opposite in many ways, but shared many passions & successful years in business together. The stories dad tells of "The captain" will forever be told with many laughs. I'm fairly confident dad could tell you every car "the Cap" owned & of course the engine it had. He is not a comfortable passenger with most, but never had a problem with Jim behind the wheel, & often commented on his talent in the driver's seat. Our sincerest condolences to Ingrid, Jacquie & Jennifer during this difficult time. I know you'll take comfort in knowing he lived life to the fullest, his way & cherish the memories. You are all in our thoughts. Much love, The Kenningtons
Jen and Jackie so sad to here of your dad's passing. He always had a big smile on his face every time I saw him. Lyrel he was a big part of your live.
Saddened for the loss of this great guy.... he will be so missed by his lovely family and so many friends.... God Bless
Jen and Jacquie I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you both were with your dad . Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You're in my thoughts, and I hope you feel comforted in the days ahead. Thinking of you and your family.
So sad to hear this news. We're thinking of you at this difficult time and remembering all the great memories of the past.
Dear Jacquie: Sorry to learn of your father's death. He will forever be alive in your memories as it sounds as though he did exciting things in his life and lived to the fullest. Sincere condolences.
Jim was my good friend through our high school and teenage years. We used to gather after school to eat chips and gravy at Gettes' Restaurant in St. Thomas. As kids, he always told us that he was going to be very successful. And even then, yes, he liked to have nice cars, drive fast, live fast and he had a fast mind and he could talk fast too. We got pulled over on the New York Turnpike in 1961 doing about 100 on our way to New Years Eve in New York City. We were in a hurry. He handed the trooper $80 and away we sped. Our next adventure was driving, sometimes in tandem if I caught up, from Texas to Mexico City. Those in my VW Bus ate dust all of the way. You could always be sure to have a wonderful time in Jim's company, kind, thoughtful and generous. My condolences to his wonderful family and many friends.. Jim, my friend, I hope we meet again.
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
Ingrid, Ken, John and I want to send you and yours our condolences for your great loss. I really enjoyed talking to Jim when we had Evergreen Irrigation. Though we sold the business, there are some customers you never forget. You and Jim were one. Reading the obit brought back the reasons why he sticks out. His personality, his wit, his... this is who I am attitude, he was a wonderful man, the world has lost another good person. He will be missed. The loss is great, the memories plentiful, let the memories help with the pain and keep him with you. Nancy
Jen, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a great man. He seemed to be always smiling. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Fathers are always a Daughter's first Hero. No words can explain the feeling of such a loss when we have to let them go. Our love to you Jen and your family.
Jacquie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you were with your dad and the great care you gave him, not just in recent times. I will remember many stories you've shared about him. I know he was proud and grateful to have a daughter like you. Thinking of you and your family.
Dear Jacquie, I was sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mary
ingid&Jennifer&jauqie so sorry about jim;s passing as you know he was a very large part of mine &Margret;s life we will miss him
So grateful we were able to see Jim before the curtain came down with the pandemic. He leaves a big void, and not one any other mere mortal could fill. Crusty, stubborn, tight-fisted, with a heart of gold - that's the man we will all hold in our hearts. God bless you, Ingrid - we hope we can travel back to our Home and Native Land and share a drink to Jim's memory with you. ] Chris and Tina
Sending love and strength to our crazy aunt Jackie and family. I remember visiting the house with Maggie and her diving into that beautiful fish pond! Oh Maggie! Take care of each other and share lots of memories. Bob, Dione, Abby, Grace, Jack, Sarah and Lucy
Ingrid & Family, Our deep and sincere condolences on the passing of Jim. Laurie would come home and talk about sitting with Jim, sharing a drink , and all the interesting conversation they had. Laurie & Karen
Such sad news. He was always so welcoming and had a huge presence. I remember great thanksgiving weekends on the farm ....and the famous baked beans. A legend of a man. You will not be forgotten.
He was agreat man for sure
Jumbo played a huge part in the Porters lives through out the years. We celebrated every Christmas Eve together, Parties at the farm, birthday dinners, canoe races down Dingman creek, Fund raiser functions always having a blast . We enjoyed many boating trips up in Georgian Bay, North channel, Put in Bay, Florida keys , Virgin Islands, and many more . Jim was the Captain and by noon it was Miller Time! He bugged me with his almost daily calls to my office once he retired . I will miss that great man as will my children James and Nicole as he always made us laugh with his sarcastic, humorous remarks. He was a wonderful friend of Waynes and I am sure they are together again up there drinking whiskey! It has been an honour is have known Jim for the last 42 years since he interrogated me on my first date with Wayne at the penthouse. My sincere condolences to my dear friend Ingrid, Jennifer and Jacquie who's have suffered a huge loss. Love Bubbs
Nothing but Love and Respect from Tonya and Ryan. So many great times spent with Jim, Ingrid and family. Condolences from the States. We will be there as soon as circumstances allow for the Celebration of Life.
Ingrid I am so very sorry to learn about Jim's passing. He was a lovely man with a heart of gold. He had a full colourful life my dear and he lived it to the fullest. I admire you Ingrid foe the true companion you were to Jim. I feel your sadness today as Christina and Mackenna shared Jim's passing with me today. Jennifer and Jackie so sorry for your sorrow. Take care all of you. Always in my thoughts.
Ingrid Jennifer and Jacquie We've lost a trucking icon . While talking to Doug and Deanna Kennington on Friday morning, little did we know of the news to be delivered later that day. I met Jim at the age of 8 while my dad did work for Waldie Transport . In 1980 I went to work for Doug Kennington servicing Jims trucks . I always appreciated that Jim treated us more like family as evidenced by the summer and Christmas parties Our thoughts are with you. Doug Rice likely met him telling him there is trucking to be done. Sincerely Steve Mary and Douglas Medlyn
Ingrid, So sorry to hear this sad news. Jim was such a great boss. I have so many fond memories of you & Jim at the office in St. Thomas. with deep sympathy, Ronda Bartha
Dear Jacquie, so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers, may you find comfort in many wonderful memories. Susan
So sorry for your loss. I will miss chatting with Jim about him & Dad in the good old days and of course the latest hot rod he had purchased. I will remember him fondly.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District
The Salvation Army
Notify family of your donation
Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada - London District)
~ Lyn & Joe Carapella