November 9, 1950, to March 5, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family of James [Jim] Edward McIntyre announce his passing on March 5, 2026, at the age of 75.
Jim was born on November 9, 1950, in North York, ON and grew up on the family farm in Walkerton, ON. When his father [Hugh] fell ill, Jim left school in grade 9 to help run the family’s mixed farming operation which consisted of registered Jersey dairy cows and Hereford beef cows.
In 1973/1974, Jim took a break from farming and headed to northern Quebec to work as an apprentice helicopter mechanic on the James Bay Hydroelectric Power Development Project. He had a natural gift for anything mechanical, and along the way he even got some time behind the controls, even though he wasn’t a licensed pilot. He returned home and married the love of his life Joan Miskie in 1975 and started farming again on the family farm in Walkerton, where they built their life together until 1988 when the farm was sold to the Freiburger family.
After leaving the family farm in 1988, Jim and Joan farmed in Kintore, ON from 1988 until 1998 when they moved to Calgary, AB, and eventually settled in Torrington, AB in 2009, where Jim spent his later years. While living in Torrington, Jim worked for Crop Production Services [CPS] and several local farmers during harvest season.
Over the course of his life, Jim was the co-owner of a truss plant and a modular home manufacturing facility in SW Ontario, a convenience store owner, a pet store owner, and a fast-food business owner. He owned a blueberry farm in Chilliwack, BC and a sheep, hay, and potato farm in Malakwa, BC. Jim was known for being particular about his work and had a deep love for his animals. When he farmed, his animals always came first. He would have them fed before he ever sat down for breakfast himself. Everything had to be done right, and he would not cut corners for anyone. He could operate just about any piece of farm equipment or heavy machinery, fix almost anything that was broken, and build what needed building.
Away from work, Jim loved working in his small greenhouse, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his friends and family. He was a great cook and was well known for his rotisserie chicken, prime rib, and his delicious raisin pudding with dumplings. Jim was a loyal friend; he was the kind of friend people were lucky to have and never forgot.
He is predeceased by his mother Margaret C. McIntyre [Hossfeld] who passed away on August 4, 1986, and his father Hugh A. McIntyre who passed on April 1, 1988, both resided on the family farm in Walkerton, ON.
He is survived by his beloved wife Joan McIntyre; his son Kevin McIntyre of Nanaimo, BC, and his partner Angela West-Roots; his grandsons Joshua McIntyre, Jared McIntyre, and Jayden McIntyre, all of Nanaimo, BC; Joshua’s partner Cassie Clark; and his great-granddaughter Isabella McIntyre.
He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer/fall of 2026. Details will be announced by the family.
