It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Arthur Bruce on Saturday, December 14, 2024, a week and a half short of his 89th birthday.
James, affectionately known as Jim or JB, was a hard-working, God-loving, family-focused man. He worked for North York Branson Hospital for his entire professional career, starting as a clerk and retiring as the Executive Director. He gave freely of his time to his church family, serving as Head Elder for many years. He loved woodworking, rummaging through Value Village for exceptional finds, spending time at the cottage in the summers, running marathons, and traveling the world to visit his children. Jim had a deep fondness for animals, and his pets were treated like family. Jim was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and an all-round incredible man. In his later years, Alzheimer’s disease started taking over his life. Jim battled it fiercely and strongly with his wife Evelyn, who supported him every day at his final home, Valleyview Residence, where he was treated with the utmost respect and care. He passed peacefully with his wife and children at his side. In the end, he never failed to make his family and loved ones proud.
Jim will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Evelyn; his sons, Douglas (Shelley), Todd (Analynn), Ward (Kathleen), and his daughter, Catherine (Jay). He is fondly remembered by his nine grandchildren, Heather (Jason), Dustin (Leah), Teresa, Angela, Thomas, Sydney, Madison, Liam, and Lucas, and lovingly remembered by his brother Robert (Vicki), and many in-laws from Evelyn’s (Trenchuk) family. His caregivers, Adora and Ria, have become part of the family and will miss him dearly. Jim will also be missed by many friends and colleagues from the Willowdale Seventh-day Adventist Church and North York Branson Hospital.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jim’s life at the Willowdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 535 Finch Avenue West, North York, on Monday, December 23. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., and service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with a reception to share happy memories of Jim. A private interment will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Advent Health Care Corporation.
We all miss you greatly. Until the day of Christ’s return.