Jim, a devoted husband to Leigh (Dora Leigh (nee Reid)), dearest father to Lisa Marie, Loreli Ann (Dan Morden), and Jamie Lee (Melissa Johnson), proud papa to his grandchildren: Taylor McKinstry and Asia Melanson; Tristan (Joana), Kristopher, Maggie, and Rian Sepers; and Nicholas and Reid Landry; and great grandchildren: Layla McKinstry; and Roawyn, Claire, and Ezekiel Sepers; loving brother to Peter (Janina), Betty-Anne Readman, Mary Picard, Ruth Nonchun (Hans), John, David (Carol), and Sue Stewart (Mike D’Amico), grateful for his long-time good friend Ozzy Mills, caring uncle to many nieces and nephews and appreciative for the conversations with his first nephew, Richard Landry, predeceased by his brother-in-law Tony Gould (2000), and beloved son of the late Elizabeth (Ives (2005)) and late John Philip Landry (1980), has suddenly, yet peacefully, passed away at home with his loving wife at his side. Jack of all trades, master of many. Dad, a creative entrepreneur by nature, thrived when behind the wheel of a new project, whether it be woodworking, furniture refurbishing, metal fabrication, upholstery, home renovation and much more. Mom and dad endured many home projects together, and in many homes, yet still have 50 years of marriage for which to be proud. Dad was an innovative idealist as well as a problem solver, which meant there wasn’t a challenge he wasn’t prepared to meet in order to see his imaginative and unique ideas thru to fruition. He could impressively create and build just about anything and was very eager to indulge you with a presentation of how it was done and how he got the idea. As creative as Dad was, his true strength lay in his inherent desire to care for his family. From the early days of his childhood to the recent days of today, he always took pride in helping those he loved. As a boy, he was understanding beyond his years, a natural father figure before becoming one himself, a protective older brother, and (said with a smile and a warm heart) a very patient and tolerant younger one. Dad had many stories of him and Peter, and their shenanigans were almost always at the expense of Grandpa’s well-being. As a young person and then again as a young adult, he blossomed in the face of responsibility and accountability. He often expressed immense satisfaction mentoring his youngest siblings, then again later through the upbringing of his own children. Dad would thank us by saying, “having kids makes you a better person.” He also said, “the best gift you can give your children is a good role model.” His ideas on family living was very communal. Nothing would have made him happier than to see his whole family living together in peace and happiness working toward one unified goal of greater betterment for the family – a huge optimist, always striving to see the positive side of everything. Even in his last days, Dad preferred you to enter his room with a smile on your face. He smiled at jokes when he was too weak to laugh and just 4.5 hours before his last breath, was quick to give a “thumbs up” to indicate all was well. We will miss you Jim…Dad…Papa. We cannot express enough the huge impact you have made on the lives of each one of us. The void you leave behind is unfathomable. Its vastness, profound. There just aren’t enough words or feelings to express all that you’ve given us. We thank the many memories you gifted us as they allow us to hold you close forever. We love you.
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