Obituary of Jim Graydon

The Graydon Family sadly announce the passing of Jim on Thursday, May 20, 2020 at the age of 81 after a lengthy struggle with COPD. Jim was born June 19, 1938 in New Liskeard, Ontario to the late Mary (Vandervliet) Graydon and Harold Graydon. He leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Penny (Gallagher) and his two sons Richard (Darlene) of Stettler Alberta and Brian (Koreen) and grandchildren Claire and Thomas of Ottawa Ontario. Jim is also survived by his siblings Peter (Sharron), Bill (Judi) and Colleen Spence (Rich) all of New Liskeard as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim served in the RCAF at Camp Borden and Montepique, Quebec. Upon his return to New Liskeard he worked at various jobs beginning at Campsall Electric, then starting his own plumbing, heating and electrical business, “Graydon Electric”, later moving on to jobs with Silverfields and Sherman Mines and lastly as Property Manager at Ontario Realty Corporation. Jim and Penny have enjoyed their retirement and love of nature at their beautiful and well-loved home on Twin Lakes. They have just recently downsized and moved to a smaller home in New Liskeard. Jim was always taking on new projects and causes. Among his various projects he acquired his pilot’s licence and took great pleasure in flying his beloved Citabria. He built an ultralight, AKA “Big Yellow Taxi” and he built a tiny 14 foot tug boat, ”The Harold/Mary” and sailed it to Pembroke. Among his many causes he spearheaded the memorial dedication of the lookout park on Hwy 11 in memory of Sgt. Martin Goudreault who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. He was instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Temiskaming Search and Rescue and the establishment of a new headquarters at the Earlton Airport where he served as Unit Director. Jim served many years as an emergency room volunteer at the Temiskaming Hospital and was known and loved by staff and patients. He was also a proud member of the New Liskeard Fire Department and enjoyed his time in the Legion Pipe Band. Jim was known to many as “The Buzzard” and those acquainted with him knew that he often came across as a crusty old buzzard on the outside but was in fact extremely generous and soft as a marshmallow on the inside. We will all miss his often unasked for opinions and his quirky sense of humour. He brightened many family gatherings! “Shine on Jim!” In keeping with Jim’s wishes cremation has taken place and due to the current Covid-19 crisis there will not be any visitation or service. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory can be made to Timiskaming Hospital Foundation/Care Close To Home or Happy Paws.