James Andrew Aiken passed away in Burk’s Falls on July 25th, 2021 in his 88th year.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Mae Aiken (nee Roulston), daughters Joedy Deadman (George) and Lynne Aiken (Jack MacTaggart). He was a proud grandfather to Chris Deadman (Sara), Alex Deadman (Jordy), Hannah MacTaggart (Will) and Abbey MacTaggart. He was a great grandfather to Charlie Deadman. He is predeceased by his son, Jim Aiken.
Jim was born and raised on the 9th line outside of Beeton, Ontario to parents William James and Evelyn Pearl Aiken (nee Lisk). He is survived by his sisters Sheila Ferguson and Carol Dion (Donnie); predeceased by his sisters Phyllis Poechman and Marie Heit. He is also survived by his sister- in- laws Betty Coburn, Maxine Roulston, brother-in-law Bob Roulston and predeceased by sister-in-laws Teena McKee, Ethel Robson, and brother-in-law Don Roulston (June).
He attended the Beeton Public School and enjoyed swimming and fishing on the Beeton Creek and skating on the Beeton Flats. He derived his love for hunting at an early age along the corridor of the ninth line. In his early years Jimmie worked on the farm and picked tobacco. At the age of 16 he started his 38 year career at the Simcoe County Works Department where he was a Grader Operator and later an assistant foreman. Through this he gained an intricate knowledge of the land and waterways in South Simcoe. He was a valuable asset to day-to-day transportation at the time.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, cutting wood and hunting. As an early and longstanding member of the Beeton Hunt Club he absolutely loved the fellowship of his hunters, the bush and thrill of the hunt!
Big Jim was heavily involved in sport in Beeton. He played both baseball and hockey for his home town; later becoming a coach, organizer and umpire. He excelled at umpiring at the O.B.A. level. He was especially proud of coaching the Midget hockey team including the “famous Beeton boys” to the Ontario O.M.HA. Championship. He was a member of the T.B.C.A. and The Beeton Athletic Association holding various executive roles including helping initiate and run fundraisers such as the Beeton Car Draw and Community Couples Dances. He was also extremely proud to have helped develop and coach the Beeton Bees Female Hockey Team. He worked tirelessly and as a result helped to foster women’s hockey in Beeton. He was a valuable coach and mentor who had a great love for the Beeton Community.
Jim even joined the Beeton Masonic Lodge for a short time.
Jimmie and Mae eventually retired at “The Farm” in the bush outside of Magnetawan; interacting with new friends and the nature of the north. Finally, Burks Falls became the place to enjoy the simple life with close friends and family.
At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Condolences to the family may be sent to Mae in Burks Falls. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham. 905-936-3477. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Sheri Sallows says
Sincere Condolences on the loss of someone so special to all of you.
Sheri Sallows (nee Jackson)
Kathy Stephenson says
To Lynne and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and sending support,
RANDY & DONNA HORAN says
Mae, Joedy, George, Lynne, Jack and Family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He has left a wonderful legacy in the community. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely Randy, Donna and Family
Betty Sheppard says
Dear Mae, Joedy Lynne and families.
Big Jim will certainly be missed by us all. Thinking of all of you at this time and sending our love.
Betty , Dion and Logan
Natalie Copp says
Dear Mae and Family-
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim my condolences to you Mae and the family and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Also, just learn that you have also lost your son and brother Jim not long ago. My Heart goes out to all of you. Keep the memories near to you forever.
Linda Height says
So sorry to hear!! My deepest condolences Joedy, George and the boys and family.
Lois McCullough & Family says
Mae, Joedy, Lynne & families,
Sending our deepest condolences to you all. Mom has many memories of Big Jim and Mae and sends her love to you during this sad time.
Michelle Hatch says
So sorry for your loss, sending our deepest condolences to the whole Aiken family
Vicki McCullough says
My deepest condolences to Mae, Jody and Lynn.
Dorene, Michael, Lori Lemire says
Our thoughts are with Mae and family on the loss of Big Jim. He was a special man and good friend to our Randy. He will be missed.
Rick Coleman says
So sorry to the family of Big Jim, a true gentleman for sure, sending our condolences
Sue and Paul Brown says
Lynne, Jack and girls: We are thinking about all of you and offer our deepest sympathies to your whole family. Love, Sue and Paul and kids. XO
Gail King says
Mae, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Don often spoke of the times he spent with Jim when they coached together. Jim was also one of the last people who remembered my Grandfather working for the County of Simcoe. He will be missed.
Anna Banana says
My deepest condolences to you all! Jim always made me chuckle or a big belly laugh we had sleepmovers with Lynn ! He will be missed by many! Hugs to you all
Robert (Bob) and Linda Boak says
Our condolences to the Family
Susie Robinson says
Sorry for your loss…My Sincere Condolences to the family …
Ronald Crocker says
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family. He was a wonderful coach to me .
Ron and Caralyn Crocker
The Beeton Hunt Club says
Mae and family
The members of the Beeton Hunt Club would like to offer you our condolences during this difficult time. The legacy of the “camp” will continue as hoped for by Big Jim and his father before him.
Leo and Tara McGinty says
Mae, Joedy, Lynne and families. Please accept our condolence as you go through this difficult time. Big Jim was a huge part of my life, from being a peewee hard-ball player (loading 9 kids into his VW beetle and heading to Colgan for a game) to being a member of the Beeton Hunt Club for the past 34 years and many, many experiences in between. He was a mentor to me every decade of my life but more importantly he was a dear friend to me and my family. He will be missed but he has left so many positive experiences for many to remember him by.
Perry Coleman says
Mae, Joedy, Lynne & Family. We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and extend our sincere condolences at this difficult time. We have a lot of good memories of the Aiken house on the 8th line and think of Jim and all of you often. A great guy will be missed! Ann & Perry Coleman.
Betty Decaire says
Sending our deepest condolences to Mae & the Aiken family in the passing of Jimmie –another Beeton Icon gone but never forgotten …R.I.P Jim ..—-thinking of you all at this very sad time Sincerely Bob & Betty Decaire (nee Robinson)
Brad & Barb Walkem says
Our deepest sympathies Aunt Mae and family. May your memories carry you through this difficult time.
Tony Douglas says
Condolences to Mae & family at this difficult time.
marc ronan says
Our deepest sympathy to the family of a great man and another loss to our community. The Ronan family
Jim & Gail Gould says
Our sincere condolences to Mae and family. Jim was a true friend and will be greatly missed. Jim & Gail Gould
Marilyn Kamstra says
To Joedy and Lynne and families, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad.
Gary & Barb Cox says
Lynne, Jack and family we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad our condolences are with you guys at this time
Gary & Barb Cox
Robert & Darlene Sunnerton says
Jim was often thought of and will be sadly missed.
Tom Jackson says
My condolences to you Mae and the Aiken family. I am forever grateful the time Jim spent teaching my self and others about baseball, be respective and work hard. His time was well spent keeping myself and others make better use of our time. Work hard and good things happen, carried those words with me for years. There are people who touch you through your life, Jim was one for me.
Mike Trottier says
Lynne and family. Thoughts and prayers with all of you during this very difficult time. Hopefully the wonderful memories of time spent with your dad will help sustain you all.
Kim and Kevin Dermott says
Our condolences to the entire family
Gary and Susan Coleman says
Big Jim as the kids of town referred to him was a fixture and one of the most recognized and respected men of Beeton. He was a true Beeton Icon for sure. His laugh, smile, love of sports and hunting were just a few of the trademarks that he will be remembered for.
Mae, his Sisters and all the Aiken family—we are so sorry for your loss of this wonderful man and send our deepest and most sincere condolences.
paul fraser says
Lost buy not forgotten , Big JIM the name sure did suit him , he was loud and proud , he loved his wife his family his friends , he was rough but a heart of gold , he loved to hunt and tell stories , every one listened when he spoke , if you didnt he told you , great friend and mentor , he will be missed , thank you for all the great memories , until we meet again in the big hunting ground , RIP BIG JIM
paul fraser
Fraser Hunt Club
Sandra Henry says
Sending love and condolences to Mae & the Family in their time of loss. We hope the wonderful memories you have of Jim will comfort you during this difficult time.
Love, Don & Carol Dion
Sandy & Alan Henry & Family
Cindy & Graham Jones & Family
Curt & Kelly Dion
Ron & Norma Radyk says
Our Thoughts Are With Mae, And Family, In Your Many Hours Of Grief And Sorrow. R.I.P. Jim
June Grandy says
M thoughts are with you all t this sad time
Pat Cranston says
Mae:
The Beeton Athlete Association are thinking of you at this difficult time. Jim did so much to keep everything happening. I remember the dances and the draw is still in existence.
Please accept our condolences.