Brown; James Alan.
Peacefully, after a short illness, at North York General Hospital on Tuesday September 15th, 2020. Jim Brown, in his 83rd year, beloved husband of the late Anne (Macpherson). Loving father of Karen Dockeray (Gregg), Wendy (Steven), and Marney (Brian). Sadly missed by his granddaughters Kate and Jess Dockeray. Dear brother of Nancy (Derrick) and their family Andrew and Eleanor. Fondly remembered by his cousin Steven (the brother he never had). Forever in the heart of his niece Colleen (Marc). Station Master Jim to Pat, Ashley, and Robin. Sorely missed by countless dear friends and rail enthusiasts with whom he shared a great passion and many adventures and shenanigans. Respecting Jim’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. For those who wish, donations to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham, 905-936-3477. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
adolf hungrywolf says
It’s been a few years since we last met, Jim, but I will always appreciate the fine photos you contributed to some of my rail books and calendars, along with the wealth of knowledge you so willingly shared. Thanks also for providing me and members of my family with an eastern home, including sleeps in your caboose with my late son Okan.
My thoughts and condolences to your family….
Lindsay Shearer says
I first met Station Master Jim while in elementary school – I was good friends with Robin.
I ran into him, by chance, nearly two decades later. He didn’t miss a beat, he knew exactly who I was. We chatted for some time almost as though twenty years hadn’t passed. When we said our goodbyes I remember thinking that he was “the same old SMJ” that I remembered and I was smiling ear to ear. A true gentleman.
My deepest condolences.
Thomas Smith says
I met Jim the summer he moved his station home. It was a highlight of his life. We worked together at GO Transit for six years. I have many warm memories of the experiences we shared. His knowledge and love of trains was infectious. My condolences to all of his family and friends on the loss of a great man.
The Richard Family says
Our deepest condolences to Karen and your family at this time of your great loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Kevin Leddy says
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It was a blessing to have known him for he showed me that you can take something you enjoy and make a career out of it. Following that the 39 years I spent in the rail industry just flew by. I’ll miss you Jim but will cherish all the fine memories.
Ian MacDonald says
My wife Marney and I were so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. We recall many happy times with Jim and Anne back in the 1960’s as we pursued our mutual railway interests. After we moved to Montreal in 1965 our contacts became rarer and it is now many years since we last met Jim. I had always assumed that we would meet again but sadly that is not to be. Our condolences to Karen, Marney, Wendy and all of Jim’s family and friends. Jim’s contribution to the rail scene in both his professional capacity and as a fine photographer was of a high order.
John Godfrey says
I was most fortunate to have become friends with Jim in the ’90s, prior to the creation of the Waterloo St Jacobs Ry. His advice, stories, and friendship will be missed. RIP…
My condolences to his family & friends….
David R. Busse says
Mary and I send our most profound condolences to the Brown family. Jim was a true gentleman, a wonderful traveling companion and a good friend.
Maureen and Bill Burns says
Since our first meeting at CN in 1967, Jim was a thoughtful and generous friend, mentor and source of inspiration. Jim always took time to ask about your life away from work. Jim’s enthusiasm and creativity brought out the best in all of us to improve GO Transit’s operations and served him well as a widely appreciated writer, photographer and editor in the world of railway history. All of Jim’s talents and energy moved a 90 foot long railway station 15 kilometers to become his home in Tottenham.
Jim will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences to his family.
William Dewar says
My deepest condolences to all of Jim’s family. Thank you for the many conversations at train shows, your friendship, railway knowledge & photographs will be missed! You were always ready to help! Rest in Peace Mr Brown!
Ralph Beaumont says
My condolences to Jim’s family, and to his broader railfan and railway history family. Jim will be sorely missed – his vast expertise and knowledge was freely given. “Swift toward life’s terminal I trend, The run seems short tonight; God only knows what’s at the end, I hope the lights are white.” – CY Warman.
Robert Sandusky says
Farewell Jim. News of your departure was hard to accept. You were a good friend with a generous personality that will be long remembered and missed. I extend my profound sympathy to your wonderful family who knew you best. Go well Jim and thank you for touching all our lives.
Darrell Harnett says
My condolences to the Brown family. Jim will be sadly missed by all. Having worked for Jim as many of us have we know he was always there to look after our welfare. I think he knew how we at felt.
Peggy Guiler says
My memories of Jim are fond ones. He was someone I always looked up to and held in high regard. He loved my cousin Ann with all his heart. He brought wisdom and laughter to our family and was much loved by myself as well as my grandparents. I know he will be greatly missed. Blessings to all.
Betty Nickerson says
Our sympathy goes out to Nancy and Derrick, Andrew and Eleanor and all of Jim’s family at this sad time. Ernie and Betty Nickerson
Eric Eisen says
My sympathy to Jim’s family and many friend’s on Jim’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with, and learning from, Jim at GO Transit for many years and even greater pleasure when debating who loved their hobby more – his trains or my Meccano Set. R.I.P Jim, you will be missed.
Eric Eisen
Nicholas McIndless says
Jim was to me, a great man, I only had a few opportunities to interact with him, a kind and confident smile, and a interesting personality that revealed a smart and engaging person. Jim leaves behind a lovely family who could not be more welcoming and are a tribute to his memory. He always made me feel welcome, and was generous with his time. He made me feel respected, and welcome in his home. I spent two birthdays in his home, and have trouble thinking of the house absent of him. Glad to have met you Jim, my heart aches to hear this news, and to his family, I am so sorry to hear of his loss.
Bruce Brown says
Jim and I were buddies at North Toronto CI We spent many a lunch hour together. I remember the model train set in the basement of his home which foretold a lifelong love affair with rail
Jim was in Engineering at U of T as was I
We went our separate ways after university but I have many fond memories of our high school days
My condolences to Jim’s family
The Elmer's says
Grandad is deeply missed by the whole Elmer family, we will never forget the precious memories we have of him. Lots of love to you all. From Grandma, Jenny, Cindy and Richard. xoxo
NORM BISHOP says
Sad news indeed. Jim always seemed interested in you personally as well as professionally. I have memories of many technical discussions with him while at GO Transit. He will be missed by many.
Norm
mary lynn dingwell says
Dear Karen, Marnie, Wendy, Kate and Jess, so sorry for your loss. Pete, Prina and I will miss our Rossport visits with Jim, and all the knowledge and pictures he has shared about the railroad. I will also miss all the visits at the station, and what ever entertainment he might have going with the pets on hand! Mel
Bernie Coffey says
Sad news indeed. Wonderful reflections of working at GO (1979) and watching Jim Brown lead the charge of growing our transit system. JAB showed an interest in our family lives as well and always had time to stop for a friendly chat about other interests. RIP Jim Brown, thanx for the memories.
Bernie
Eleanor, James, Auden and Sadie says
Oh Uncle Jim! The world will shine less brightly for your departure. You’ve been the best uncle we could imagine. Kind, funny, supportive and relentlessly unconventional. We sincerely hope that ‘the other side’ has a mind-blowingly-good railway network for you to explore. You’ll be in our hearts forever.
Cheryl & Lawrence Vienneau says
Lawrence and I are saddened to hear of Jim’s passing.
Our Sympathies to all
Diane Milton says
Jim was as unique as the children and grandchildren he has left as his most precious legacy to this world. His curiosity, energy, passion, principles, quirkiness, and love for others will surely live on in the actions and creations of the family he raised so well.
George W Roth says
A good man, who dedicated a huge amount of his personal time, efforts to the rail fan community, so that so many others could enjoy the experiences that excited Jim, that he loved to see, wished for in a large part of his life. We all now suffer, will miss his contributions, his stories and his great photos.
RICHARD MCQUADE says
Deepest condolences to each member of Jim’s family. It was clear to all who knew him how important you were to him. Jim was an exceptional person – a true gentleman in every way – generous with his time, a great source of knowledge and always prepared to listen. A skilled photographer who by documenting it immortalized the Canadian railway scene for seven decades, he was also a leader for railway preservation in Canada. Although sorrowfully missed, he left a legacy that will endure forever.
Bill Linley says
I am proud to have know Jim since early 1963. He and friend Ed Jordan took a shy teenager to Montreal with them one day that May to experience CPR’s Show of Power, The railway debuted their latest motive power and several steam engines that they were donating to the new CRHA museum. I had an extraordinary day topped by Jim’s treat of a roast beef dinner in the Windsor Station restaurant. Action night shots of CPR’s Dominion on our way home capped a day that made me a lifelong train chaser. Jim will always be an inspiration to me. My deepest condolences to all those he has left for now. Bill
phillip coolen says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father and Grampie. He will be missed. May he rest in peace in the big railway in the sky. Phil and Ora
John Freyseng says
Ever since we met in Feb 1959, Jim was a very close, supportive dear friend, a fellow traveller in the railway enthusiast world, sharing so many railway adventures. Jim was such a larger-than-life leader, whether it was in Canadian railway photography, railway preservation projects or telling the story of Canadian railway history. Jim, you will be sorely missed, and never forgotten. Rest In Peace my friend. Sandy and Stephen join me is sending our deepest condolences to Karen, Wendy , Marney, Kate, Jess and the JAB extended family.
Jim Curran & Wendy Cochran says
Jim was a wonderful friend and mentor. He was a shining example of living life with a positive attitude. He will be deeply missed.
[email protected] says
Karen, Kate and Jess, we’re so sad for the loss of your father and grandfather. Losing someone you love is the greatest test of ones’ strength. Be strong for one another and remember the love he showed and the strength he emitted. Love, Kelly, Lorne and Grace
Ian Wilson says
I thank God for bringing Jim into my life. After my own father passed away five years ago, Jim was my father figure. He has gone to a better place and we are the richer for having been touched by his life. My heartfelt condolences to his dear family members and countless friends.
Jim Little says
So sorry to see you gone Jim. You were the best Station Master for “Alimony Station” anyone could wish for, and I cannot thank you enough. Hopefully there’s a large number of steam engines in the big roundhouse in the sky. The void you’ve left will never be filled.
Christopher Clarke says
Sorry for your loss. I have known him for almost 50 years from trains. At last he met me and shook my hand at Model Train Snow in Barrie, ON on February 2020. He was a wonderful guy.
Ted & Nancy Stevens says
That he is no longer with us is very hard to accept. Now we have only our memories of a very fine person and a best friend, to cherish and preserve.
Monte Reeves says
Very sorry that I didn’t have an opportunity to get to know him more. He sent me a great picture of a Westbound Wabash train on Cayuga Bridge. I shall always remember him for that. My sincere sympathy to the family; he will be missed in the railroad community.
Claude Langlois says
A true gentleman.
RIP Mr.Brown in that great Roundhouse in the Sky.
Steve Bradley says
Jim, you played such a large and valuable part in my life. Your friendship, warmth, knowledge and eagerness to help and share are characteristics that so many of us admired and will truly miss. Rest well my friend.
Paul Newsome says
I am very saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. He was a tremendous supporter of heritage railway preservation and he helped me immensely. My sincerest condolences to Jim’s family.
Howard Christie says
Jim was a wonderful husband and
caregiver to my cousin Anne and a kind and loving father.
I always enjoyed talking with him
because of his many interests and cheerful attitude.
My sincere condolences to the
family
Clare Gilbert says
My deepest condolences on Jim’s passing. He was a true gentleman of the old school. His knowledge of Canadian railroads was so immense and he always shared it so freely.He will be missed by so many. RIP my friend.
Ian and Vickie Witherspoon says
so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, he always had a smile and kind words, he will be sadly missed.
Lorna & Grant Kingsland says
Our sympathies to all of the Brown family for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was truly a gentleman and a friend to many. He will be missed by all of us.
Susan Wilson says
I am so sad to hear of the loss of Jim. We spent a lot of time together, I have many happy memories. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.