James ‘Jim’ Allan Braddon

He was a great person and a friend. I knew him from my time on dialysis and worked with him at the United Way. May his memory be eternal.

I had the honor of partnering with Jim when I was a sponsored employee at United Way. At that point he was an old hand at it and was so full of knowledge and experience he was indispensable. He was the first to offer help in making things easier and most often was coupled with a way to make you smile. He was one of a kind. Sad to hear of his passing. He left a mark on the London community that will live on.

Doris & family, Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have some of the best family memories with the Wall family from Teeswater and you can be sure that Jim contributed to a lot of them. We know he will be deeply missed.

A truly great guy. Elaine and I send sincere condolences to Daryl , Dana , Doris ,and the extended family. A very positive person, who loved to chat and talk about the family. Jim will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim was a great neighbour and friend for decades. He was kind and will be sorely missed.

Jim always added fun and laughter to a gathering. I have so many great memories with him and his family. I’m so sorry for your loss, thinking of you.

It was 2008 when I met Jim as one of the United Way sponsored employees. He was so welcoming to all the "newbies". He was the unofficial "dad" of the group. Jim exuded caring and compassion. It didn't matter the situation, the event, the people in need, he put it all in perspective. Jim was truly a hero in the community and he will be greatly missed.

Jim was my first mentor with the Kidney foundation. I will never forget him showing me the ropes, walking around the neighbourhood knocking on doors to ask for donations. I could not have done it with anybody else but him. We went on to have some great times at the steak dinner and auction. He was a genuine advocate for kidney and was such an inspiration for my dad when he had his transplant. The kidney community has lost one of its best ambassadors. May all the stories you hear about him in the coming days provide you comfort. I send my sympathy to you all. Beth Martin

Sorry to hear the news . We have fond memories of over thirty years of sharing our time as neighbours. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

I will miss our banter from across the street when I visited my in-laws. Jim was always good to have a laugh with, and he was generous with his time and allowing my kids to use his pool. He often reminded me that his grandkids were better looking than my kids ;) He loved his family, and his neighbourhood. Whenever I am in the neighbourhood it will be hard not to glance over and expect a wave and a wise crack remark from Jim. I wish Doris, Daryl and Dana all the comforts over these next few days, weeks and months. Jim will be missed, but I am thankful for being able to get to know him over the years.

I was fortunate to be friends with Jim Braddon since May, 1978 when we became Charter Members of The Optimist Club of Fanshawe London. We worked together with many other members over the years raising funds for the kids in our community, providing playground equipment for schools and community parks and baseball diamonds, along with countless other community and youth support activities and thousands of volunteer hours, until the Fanshawe Optimist Club ceased operations in September, 2020, a victim of the pandemic. A major event that Jim worked at was the Friday Niter school dances for Grade 7 & 8 students in our area, eight Friday nights per year. Jim was nearly always there helping chaperone up tp 400 young teens at these dances for 35+ years. Jim was a key organizer and committee member for our annual Victoria Day fireworks at Fanshawe Conservation Area from 1980 until 2019. He was a tireless volunteer for children and community. Jim and myself share a common birthday (August 2nd), and made a point to call each other on that day for a long chat about life etc. I coached Jim and Doris's daughter Dana in soccer for a couple of years. Jim and Doris always attended the games and were very positive supporters of Dana and her teammates. I will miss Jim's wit and humour, his one-liners, our chats over the past 44+ years, his ready smile and talking about his family. Condolences to Dana, Daryl, Doris and the rest of Jim's family. A good man and father. Rest In Peace Optimist Jim Braddon! You are free from pain.

It was always a pleasure working with Jim. He was always supporting our breakfasts by providing (and installing) the large dining tent. From your brothers and sisters at the hall, our deepest condolences Daryl, we are all here for you if you and your family if you need anything or we can help in any way. Sincere condolences to you, Dana and Doris, our thoughts are with you all! You have our support brother Daryl as you and your family navigate through these tough times.

Doris, Daryl, Dana and family. I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. As you know we spent many many hours together talking, laughing and of course organizing fireworks shows. He was a great friend who I could always talk to. I will miss his laugh , comments and sound advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Paul, Sandy, Kristen & Connor.

Dear Doris and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great guy with a sense of humour that brought the room to life. Hugh often talked about some fun times they all had during Optimist years. Cherish all the wonderful memories. I send you my condolences. Love…..Mae❤️

I am sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Teresa Arnsby Weaver former United Way Sponsored Employee

For me, the relationship I had with Jim is difficult to describe. It started with a gate between our yards. We were friends, we were family, it was almost symbiotic (each helping the other out as we were able). Over thirty years we were always in the other’s yard/home/lives. Touching base, having meals together, working on yard projects, supporting each other and just being together. Jim’s heart was wide open for the taking. I jumped in big time. Saying I will miss him is an understatement. Jim loved people and especially enjoyed the kids. Jim was a rascal, loved life, a ready smile, had an opinion and warped sense of humour. Frequently trying to get a rise out of people. Sometimes not tastefully but never ever mean. Whenever an opportunity to help presented itself Jim was there. Jim actively fundraised for the Kidney Foundation, loved his time at United Way, Friday nighter dances, his life experiences were a foundation for mentoring/sharing with others. The neighbourhood was his….regularly helping others with leaves, snow and whatever else he could be part of. The front porch was his favourite spot and loved chatting with everyone who walked by or dropped in to visit. Jim, loved Doris, above all else. Just as Doris, loves Jim above all else. They both dedicated themselves to each other especially in sickness and health. Together they created a wonderful family, Dana and Daryl are good people. Jim was a super proud Dad and enjoyed reminding them he was “The Parent”. In the many conversations we had together Jim never failed to talk about them, their achievements and their families. Jim Braddon, your presence has been felt by many, you will be missed and stories with you in the centre will be a comfort.

To all the family so sorry to hear of Jim's Passing .All the love to Doris & Family from the Wall Cousins

I had the pleasure of working with Spicy Jim at United Way in 2008 as a sponsored employee. I feel in love with his personality the day I met him and the friendship continued. He sure made a difference in this world with his deep laugh, strong opinions, deep love for the community, and giant heart. He will be sadly missed by many❤️

Jim, rest in peace my dear friend and may your memory be everlasting. My condolences to the Braddon family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your friend, Penny Tzavaras (Billy T's Roadhouse)

Jim was a favourite among many staff in dialysis, he will be truly missed. We will miss his positive attitude, bright shirts and good sense of humor. Condolences to the family, we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Always in our thoughts.

My sincere condolences to Doris and her family on the passing of Jim. As a former neighbour of the Braddens, I enjoyed chatting with Jim and watching his family grow and mature. Jim was an easy-going friend who was approachable, open and kind to those around him. He will be missed.

Dear Doris and family, I was saddened to read of Jim’s passing. I worked in dialysis at St. Joe’s and remember Jim well. He was a lot of fun and was an easy patient. I knew he had a transplant and did well. He helped me get flooring too. My condolences to you and your family. Patty (PS I’m from Teeswater), George King’ s daughter.

Jim was my mentor, my inspiration and my friend. He was a leader who was never above doing the jobs that were dirty simply because they had to be done. Jim's quick comedic remarks rivaled those of Rodney Dangerfield - albeit, sometimes a bit saltier. His humour alone made it worth attending the Optimist meetings. I not only wish there were more people in the world like Jim but, I strive to be more like him myself. Jim had not only taken the path less travelled, I believe that he continued travelling further to clear a path for others. I look at Jim's life and I see his many friends, his many achievements and his many passions that make life rich. However, I find it striking that Jim had the deep-rooted desire to have a positive impact on thousands of people who will be unaware of his works or even his name. They are the beneficiaries and the legacy of Jim Braddons charitable and social works. Jim did not seek out reward or praise ( except that rock in a park). Jim had a selflessness that is rarely seen. It is my belief that Jim had a rich life that was well lived. Thank you, Jim

Dear Doris and family Just learned today of Jim's passing. So very sorry for your loss. Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort, deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. May light perpetual shine upon him. Amen. I will miss him at family reunions.