James (Jim) Palmer was a devoted and loving son, little brother, husband, father, papa, uncle, and personal close friend to many. He was born on March 15, 1962 to Jack and Phyllis Palmer in Thunder Bay, ON. and left this world on May 21, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family members and friends after a short but fierce fight with cancer at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend Jody Palmer of over 30+ years and his four children: Stephanie, Travis (Hazel), Courtney, and Kate. Along with his five grandchildren, Joryn, Madeleine, Kendyll, Jack and Jett. Plus, his siblings Randy, Jennifer (Dale) and Rocky including countless nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Jack and Phyllis, his eldest brother David and his beloved dogs Molly and Lou.
Jim started his life in Thunder Bay, ON. then moved with his family and spent his youth growing up in Coldwater, Orillia, and Oshawa ON. This is where he found his love for music and started a band with his best friends, he was often found casting the shores of the rivers for speckled trout and fishing the many lakes of Ontario, which fostered his love for fishing and the outdoors. In Jim’s earlier years, he owned and operated JD fishing & Tackle and learned the trade of bricklaying before moving to Kenora, ON. where he lived out the rest of his life enjoying Lake of the woods.
Jim was known throughout the community in different professions. He worked for Norcom Cable, Shaw, volunteered at Harbourfest for many years as a “red shirt” bar site manager. His greatest joy was as a hunting and fishing guide when he started Kenora Whitetail Adventures, later expanding to own and operate White Pine Lodge in Sioux Narrows, ON. He truly loved anything to do with being in the outdoors, fishing, boating, and hunting big game. Except swimming… he hated swimming.
His passion for the outdoors was matched with his skill set to build and fix anything. If you asked a favour of him, you could guarantee that he would be there to help out in anyway he could. Jim was a very social man; he was an instant friend to many and many described him as one of their best friends. Jim had a charismatic personality, infectious smile with an unforgettable laugh. He had this uncanny ability to make people feel comfortable. We would always say “Everyone loves Jimmy!”
There was one thing in Jim’s life that surpassed all other passions he had, his family. He was devoted to his wife, boasted about his children and in awe of his grandkids. They were all the most important part of his life and his joy that he experienced. He held a unique relationship with each one and they all loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed.
Jim’s family invites you to join them in celebrating his life on Friday, June 7th, 2024. The celebrations will begin with a formal gathering at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre at 11:00am followed by an afternoon of beverages and light refreshments at the Boathouse “Jimmy style” 12:30-3:30pm.
The family asks that you please bring in your favourite photos or written memories of Jim so they may view them at a later date. There will be an open mic set up at the Boathouse for those who would like to share their favourite memories, stories or play a song in honour of Jim.
In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre-Oncology Department in Jim’s memory.