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Sauble Beach, Wiarton

James “Jim” Oliver November 23, 2024

James Robert “Jim” Oliver – peacefully at home early Saturday morning November 23, 2024. Jim Oliver of Lion’s Head in his 80th year. Beloved husband and best friend of Dannah (nee Berry) for 53 years. Greatly missed by daughter Jaye (Trevor) of Kincardine and son Tyler (Amanda) of Port Macquarie, Australia. Greatest Gramps of Colton, Jackson, Adelyn and Emerson of Kincardine and Sienna and Cayden of Australia. Brother and Brother-in-law to Lois (Lee Kirkby), Chris Oliver and Madelyn (Michael Connolly). Predeceased by brother George and parents Robert and Jean Oliver and in-laws Merle and Bea Berry. Teacher, Mentor, Coach to 3 generations on the Bruce Peninsula. Jimmy O spent his early years in Stratford, where even though he was small for his age excelled at hockey. Some of the greatest memories of his youth were spent on the ice including winning the Peewee Young Canada Hockey Week Tournament in Goderich in 1958. Some of his teammates went on to play in the NHL for Detroit and thus began his lifelong obsession with the Detroit Red Wings. In 1973, Dannah and Jim relocated to Lion’s Head for teaching jobs. As a Geography teacher, he enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny on the Peninsula and when asked about travelling abroad he would say, “I have found paradise on the Peninsula, why would I want to leave?” In later years, they did enjoy lots of adventure and travel to spend time with Ty and his family in Australia. In 2000, after a nearly 30 year career “Mr.O” decided it was time to retire. He spent his retirement on the golf course and cruising around listening to old time rock and roll in his 1951 Ford pick up and most recently the 1986 Mustang. Details of a Celebration of Life to follow. Expressions of remembrance to the Lion’s Head Hospital via Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Details of a Celebration of Life to follow.

Condolences(32)

  1. REPLY
    Barb & Burt Liverance says
    December 2, 2024 at 5:40 pm

    Deepest sympathy. Cherish your memories & your Husband will always be near. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family

  2. REPLY
    Sandy VanDongen says
    December 2, 2024 at 7:48 pm

    Dannah and family,
    Sending my most sincere condolences.
    I hope your endless memories give you comfort in the days ahead.
    Sandy

  3. REPLY
    Jim Govier says
    December 2, 2024 at 8:03 pm

    Deepest condolences to Dannah and family. Lots of lastings memories of conversations with Jim regarding music and hockey and can’t forget the rod hockey games on his antique game. I don’t think I ever won a game against him.

  4. REPLY
    Brian and Tanya Swanton says
    December 2, 2024 at 8:43 pm

    Sending our deepest sympathies and much love to you all. Jimmy O was one of a kind. He will be missed. ❤️
    Brian and Tanya Swanton and Families

  5. REPLY
    Cindy Weatherhead says
    December 3, 2024 at 3:10 am

    I would just like to say my condolences to his beautiful wife, Dannah. To his children and grandchildren as well.
    To all his friends as well.
    When I get back home. It will be a big hole with not having him coming in on Thursday nights.
    He sure lights up whenever he talks about the grandchildren and is so proud of his children.
    Maybe we need a bench set up with his name on it.
    He has been a part of all our lives that grew up on the Bruce.
    Hugs to every one of his family and friends.
    Dana, I’ll see you again. I’m hoping this spring or near summer, we can have a cup of coffee and muffin together.
    God bless 🙏❤️

    Cindy McLay Weatherhead

  6. REPLY
    Jodi Kelly says
    December 3, 2024 at 4:38 am

    So very sorry of your dear and beloved loss. Many memories from my youth and lots of time spent around the Friday night gang at the Smith household.

  7. REPLY
    Dave Wilson says
    December 3, 2024 at 6:19 am

    I got to know Jimmy “O” as a golf buddy. But, I REALLY got to know him as we car pooled to and from golf. In addition to his love of Stratford times and family, he loved and really knew music and loved his Mustang and Ford pick up truck. We found common ground in music and the car hobby. As a former DJ, he could name any tune he had teed up in 3 notes or less. I could not ….but often surprised him by coming up with the name of the artist. Then he’d blow me away by naming three or so artists who “covered” that song with their own version and had them in his playlist. When he showed up at golf with his 1986 Mustang the first time, I was not there. He made the others in the group swear silence so he could surprise “Mustang Dave”, next time I was out for golf by rumbling in with his newly acquired hot sounding V8 GT.
    He kept us organized for golf. I already miss him and the many facets of his great personality. I was honored to be given “his memoirs” that he was working on to be read before publishing and hope the family takes the “Musings” as he called them to print.

  8. REPLY
    Brenda Kerton says
    December 3, 2024 at 7:55 am

    Dannah, my thoughts are with you and your family. Big hugs.m

  9. REPLY
    Gwen Bestard and Rob Bray says
    December 3, 2024 at 8:12 am

    Although we only recently were awarded the privilege to spent time with Jim and get to know him; his sharp wit, broad knowledge base, lust for life, variety of interests, brilliant mind, passion for music, love of sport and intriguing “Musings of a Butterfly Brain”, endeared him to us. He and Dannah became good friends. We, and many residents of the community, will surely miss the unique and original “Jim Oliver”. Our sincerest sympathies to all of his family.

  10. REPLY
    Ann Bacso says
    December 3, 2024 at 10:51 am

    Dannah, My thoughts are with you & your family. Hugs

  11. REPLY
    Emmet McIver says
    December 3, 2024 at 1:03 pm

    We were blessed to have a summer visit with Jim, remembering old times, and catching up on his news, his adoration for his grandchildren shone throughout the conversation. Jim was a mentor to all our kids, as well as many others who passed through BPDS. Our deepest condolences to all, Emmet and Lynda

  12. REPLY
    Sherri Hunter Locke says
    December 3, 2024 at 1:29 pm

    So sorry to hear the news about Mr Oliver.
    I remember him well during my school years (grade 7 science teacher)
    Many years later after graduation and moving to Vancouver I decided to have a class reunion. He step forward to be our DJ that night, without hesitation he played everything requested and became the evenings master of ceremonies.
    Condolences to his lovely wife Dannah and family❣️

  13. REPLY
    Greg and Tawnia Courage says
    December 3, 2024 at 4:28 pm

    So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We had the privilege of living beside him and his family when we lived in Lion’s Head. Hopefully all your pleasant memories will help you through this difficult time.

  14. REPLY
    Jeanette Detta says
    December 3, 2024 at 8:19 pm

    Dannah and family, I pray your memories comfort you! You have my sympathy!

  15. REPLY
    Pam Ashcroft says
    December 3, 2024 at 11:55 pm

    Dannah. The joy of having you and Jim part of our recent class reunion cannot be put into words. To share those laughs and memories is a cherished moment. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  16. REPLY
    Angela McCauley says
    December 4, 2024 at 7:05 am

    Mrs.Oliver, Jaye, Tyler and your families. My deepest condolences to you all.

  17. REPLY
    Lynn and Bill szymezko says
    December 4, 2024 at 1:02 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and love

  18. REPLY
    Pat Duncan says
    December 4, 2024 at 1:17 pm

    My deepest sympathies to you and your family Dannah. Hold your memories close to your heart.

  19. REPLY
    Marilyn and Lloyd Handley says
    December 5, 2024 at 7:56 am

    Dannah, we are sorry to hear of your loss. Sending heartfelt sympathies and hugs to you and family.

  20. REPLY
    Bill Walker says
    December 5, 2024 at 9:51 am

    Dear Dannah and family,
    I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. It was truly a pleasure and privilege to work with him when he was a board member of the Bruce Peninsula Health Services Foundation (and you as well) and I enjoyed our friendship over the years. He contributed greatly to our community both in his profession as a teacher and also as a volunteer and will be truly missed.
    Hoping it helps to know friends are thinking of all of you at this time.
    With condolence,
    Bill Walker

  21. REPLY
    Rob Whitelock says
    December 5, 2024 at 1:02 pm

    I was shocked and saddened when I heard of Jim’s passing. He was a great guy. Our condolences from all the staff at the shop. To Dannah and the kids, I’m really sorry. Best wishes.

  22. REPLY
    John and Molly says
    December 5, 2024 at 1:18 pm

    We are so very sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

  23. REPLY
    Patricia Madau says
    December 5, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    Dearest Dannah, heartfelt condolences to you and your family. A warm and loving embrace, Patricia Madau

  24. REPLY
    Russ and Bonnie Usher says
    December 5, 2024 at 5:47 pm

    Dannah and family. So sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences.

  25. REPLY
    Allan McKenzie says
    December 7, 2024 at 2:54 pm

    I was saddened to learn of Jim’s death and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Jim’s wife and family, and to Lois. My parents and Jim’s parents were very good friends when we were young. Jim and I reconnected several years ago and since then we had been in contact through social media.

  26. REPLY
    ANNE JAMES says
    December 7, 2024 at 5:10 pm

    Oh Dannah I just saw this notice. I am out of the country and had not heard of Jim’s passing So sorry for your loss 💕

  27. REPLY
    Jim and Joan Garner says
    December 8, 2024 at 5:11 pm

    Our deepest Sympathies to Danah &

    Family on the passing of Jim.  Jim was a true Friend who will ge greatly missed.

    Jim and Joan Garner from Tobermory ON.,

  28. REPLY
    Susan Klages says
    December 9, 2024 at 2:53 pm

    Dannah and family, we were so sorry to hear about the death of Jim. Mark and I hold very fond memories of all of you as extended Bruce Peninsula District family. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories be a comfort you.
    Susan and Mark Klages

  29. REPLY
    Kelly & Donna Thompson says
    December 15, 2024 at 7:54 pm

    Dana, Jaye, Tyler and family. We were so saddened to see of Jim’s passing. What a wonderful human being he was and loved by all. He was Marty’s principal out a Eastnor when Marty 1st started school at age 3. Jim had to have a talk with him that the rules at school were different than when you were at the farm. Marty later in life played his guitar with Jim at the Seniors Rave. Wonderful memories. I know there are some shenanigans going on were he is with his buddys that passed before him . Rest in Peace Jim.

  30. REPLY
    Carson Shulist says
    December 20, 2024 at 11:48 am

    Dannah, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May your happiest memories of your life together sustain you through these difficult times. Sending strength to you and your family.

  31. REPLY
    Gail Nicholson says
    December 22, 2024 at 8:46 am

    Dear Dannah Lee,
    My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, Jim.
    I am glad we met at the Pelham Reunion this past summer and got to exchange remembrances of our parents. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  32. REPLY
    Marcy McGill says
    January 1, 2025 at 10:56 pm

    So sorry for your loss Dannah. I will never forget the help that you two were for me in our first year at BPDS.

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