James Joseph Melady
November 7, 1939 – March 31, 2018
Suddenly on Saturday, March 31st, at the age of 78, Jim (My Sweetheart) passed away. Dear and only son of the late Francis and Regina Melady. Beloved husband of Linda, dear brother of Mary Jo (the late Norm) McKinney, and Maureen and Jim Connelly. Loving father of the late Zoe Melady and the late Lynne Melady. Like a loving father to Michael and Jennifer Hagan, Jessica Hagan and Jeff Dulmanis, and Katie Moffitt (Chris). Sadly missed by sister-in-law Ren Duinker (Michiel), his great friends Milli Hunt and the late Bill Hunt, and good friend Dennis Pickup. He will also be missed by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and grandchildren Colleen, Carter and Tommy. Jim was a brilliant man who was the head of Language Training for Canada at National Defence for many years and later returned to his initial vocation of teaching. He was an inspiring teacher who enthusiastically taught Latin to many young minds who will always fondly remember their dear and amusing “Mr. Melady”. Jim was an accomplished athlete who excelled at basketball, hockey, and golf, becoming the junior golf champion in Parry Sound for many years. In fact, he often took his younger sister, Mary Jo, golfing with him; she ultimately became an excellent golfer herself as a result. He also, in his youth, was the leader of a band “The Blue Barons” who frequently opened for the Big Bands when they played in Bala, Ontario. Jim was a man who was always kind and generous to his friends and family, a man whose most fulfilling hobby was dreaming of visiting far away, exotic places; a man who never minded making himself the butt of jokes – he had a very ironic sense of humour. Jim was also a man who suffered many heartbreaks in his life, especially the loss of his beloved 11 year old daughter, Zoe, but still managed to see the good and humour in life; a man who had the gift of writing the most thoughtful and inspiring letters, especially when a person needed encouragement. Jim and Linda had an exceptional relationship and loved each other with all their hearts and souls. He was truly a good and compassionate man.
Following a private family funeral in Belleville, a visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 7th at the Whattam Funeral Home in Picton from 2 – 4 pm.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Joseph Melady November 7 1939 March 31 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Picton, Province: Ontario