Donkers, Jacobus ‘Jim’ Josephus Hendricus
I don’t know how to begin to put to words what Jim, my step dad meant to our family.
On Saturday at 2:49 am we lost my mom’s husband, best friend and soul mate, my step-dad and Ashton’s Opa.
Jim was in our lives for 31 years. Of those 31 years I have never watched a man love my mom, Elaine Allan, as much as he did or work as hard as he did. He was just shy of 71 years old and still worked 3 jobs. He was considering renovating and adding an addition to include a bathroom on the main level all because he was itching for something more to do in the house.
This man barely relaxed, he loved to be on the go and fixing things. The hockey game, Leafs of course, was when I would see him sit and that is about it.
There wasn’t one corner of my mom and Jim’s home he hadn’t redone or fixed to the highest standards with his bare hands.
He would do anything for my mom and cared so deeply about her health. He loved her beyond words. It was a song and dance that both their hearts shared. It was a great love they both had for one another.
Jim could tell you a story (a few times) and more with such enthusiasm. I could come to Jim about father daughter stuff and he would lend an ear or give sound advice.
We are all going to miss him dearly. My thoughts go out to my mom as she has to learn to live without the love of her life by her side. So, I ask for all to please pray and send love her way, as I know that it will be the extra strength she needs.
He will also be greatly missed by his son Gregory Donkers (Leanne), his step-children Julie Beck Lawrence and Adam, his grandsons AJ (Aayla) and Ashton and his great-grandson Lincoln, his siblings Wilma (Wayne), Mary (Bob), John (Filip), Phillip (Angelica), Henry (Karen) and Johnny (Patti), his nieces and nephews and all his neighbours and friends. Jim was predeceased by his parents Harry & Elizabeth (nee Mennen) and his brother Martin.
Even their dog Max’s first night without him, he was waiting for him to come home. Watching him looking lost and confused was hard to watch.
To My Dad,
Although I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with my dad as I would have liked, the impact he had on my life was great. I wouldn’t be where I am personally or professionally without him.
Perseverance. If I were to pick one word to define my dad it would be this one. He worked harder physically, even into his 70’s, than anyone I have ever known. Quitting was never an option. This has gotten me through a lot of things in life and I am the person I am today because of him and this word.
His love for Elaine, Julie, Adam, Ashton, myself & the rest of his family didn’t need to be expressed in words. It was absolute & selfless. He lived for the ones he loved, not himself.
I will miss his 5-minute-long voicemails, his head scratching ‘do it yourself’ stories, rants about the Leafs and what’s wrong with the world.
I’ll miss his (at times comical) lessons on how to be frugal and save money, like mixing water with windshield wiper fluid to save a few bucks.
I’ll miss a lot of things now, too many to list here.
I will miss my dad more than words can describe, but I know he lives on in me. His love, wisdom and perseverance will always and forever be a part of my soul.
Rest in peace dad. Go Leafs Go!
Greg
As per Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when the COVID19 restrictions have been lifted. If desired, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Durham Region. Online condolences may be left at www.armstrongfh.ca
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Saturday January 30th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jacobus Josephus Hendricus Donkers Saturday January 30th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Oshawa, Province: Ontario