Obituary

James Alexander Smyth

A man of many passions, great enthusiasm, and with a genuine love of life, Jim died peacefully at his home on April 9, 2021 almost two years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia.  True to his nature, Jim remained positive to the end.  Born in Kingston, Ontario on October 7, 1947, Jim was the devoted and loving husband of Mary (nee McIntyre) for 47 years, the proud and supportive father to Andrew (Amanda nee Mason) and Alex (Deborah Surtees). He was also an enthusiastic and much-loved grandfather to Evelyn and Benjamin (Andrew and Amanda), and Thomas and Abigail (Alex and Deborah), a kind and caring uncle to Sean, Brendan (deceased) and Kelly.  A loving brother to Grant (Betty-Anne Armstrong) and Ian (Deborah) and cherished brother-in-law to Sandy McIntyre (Julie).

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Everil Smyth and Grace Smyth (nee Irwin).

Jim began his career following in the footsteps of his father, obtaining his Chartered Accountancy (CA) designation with Price Waterhouse Coopers.  After discussions with his father-in-law, Roy McIntyre, Jim made the decision to pursue a career in law and joined the family firm of McMaster, McMaster, McIntyre in the late 1970s. The firm was later renamed to McMaster, McIntyre and Smyth upon Jim’s admission as a partner. Jim was known as skilled mediator and estate lawyer who put his client’s interests first. He was renowned for his ability to present a client with the bill and still have them leave smiling.

Jim was passionate about many things. Whether it was his grandchildren, birds, windsurfing, fishing or golf, Jim found a way to enjoy himself in all situations.  In retirement, he and Mary took great joy in helping to raise their grandchildren, traveling, going to plays and musicals and golfing with friends and family.

Jim was a people person with a genuine interest in the lives of others which endeared him to many.  He will be fondly remembered through his many kindnesses as well as his sage advice.

A celebration of life will be organized at a date when a larger gathering is permitted and safe.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Daily Bread Food Bank, Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity or FoxG1 Research Foundation would be appreciated.

 

Due to the current pandemic restrictions and under direction from our regulator, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, effective November 23, 2020 all funerals and visitations will be by invitation only to limit the number of people in attendance and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage those that are unable to attend in person to express their sympathy by posting a message of condolence to our website, donating to a charity of your choice in memory of your loved one or by sending flowers to the funeral home.

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May 06, 2021
Steve McGowan
Sincere condolences to Mary, Andrew, Alex and the family from Santa Barbara, CA. Jim was a great friend. I first got to know him when he took me sailing on his HobiCat on Boshkung Lake. I would pick him up to play late night hockey in Toronto and he would pick me up to play early morning golf in Haliburton. We even teamed up to dig out his basement on Pacific Avenue. Jim had a great enthusiasm for life. I will always remember his infectious laugh. He was a friendly, genuine and honest man. Jim has enriched us and we will truly miss him.
April 25, 2021
Ross Phillips
Despite the long passage of time, memories of a very old and dear friendship flood easily to the surface. Recollection evokes tales that almost without fail include large doses of merriment and laughter. Perhaps another football game, tennis match or social/political discussion await somewhere down the road. Always remembered, Jim! My condolences to all of the Smyth and McIntyre families.
April 22, 2021
Bryan and Jennifer Bertram
We were deeply saddened when we learned about Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful person and will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers to Mary, Andrew, Alex and family.
April 20, 2021
Lee Crosby
Please accept my sincere condolences to you Mary, Andrew, Al and the family. What a wonderful person and I feel so grateful to have known Jim as a friend for so many years. He was generous and kind to his family, friends and to his community. Nobody could tell a story like him with all the added fun embellishments. Mary, I remember our trip to Newfoundland when we laughed so hard after seeing the "Sound Symposium" that the owner of the B&B had to tell us to quiet down. My most memorable times with him though were when I went sailing with him whether on the HobiCat or the Islander. We would sometimes be just enjoying the thrill of the sail but sometimes just talking about life. May your memories of him give you comfort. Jim will be missed but not forgotten.
April 20, 2021
Marilyn Adamson Hagerman
Hi Mary So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He will be missed by many people. I will always remember the compassionate, and astute approach he took when helping to settle the estates of my mother and father. I have fond memories of the social times with both of you, and hope that when you have had some time to recover and heal, I will see you again sometime.
April 19, 2021
John McGowan
Condolences to Mary & family from Charlotte, NC. What a great guy! Jim managed and provided excellent counsel on our many real estate transactions. A great memory was a meeting with Jim in his office above the bank as we purchased our first home in 1982. I noticed a picture in his office of his boys jumping into his arms off the dock at the lake. Jim took loving pride in describing the moment and the fantastic times he Mary and the boys had at the cottage. Several years later Jim handled the purchase of our cottage on Lake Boshkong. He was thrilled we had purchased a cottage on "his" lake or as he called it "the best lake in Haliburton". When we moved to the US in 1984 Jim mentioned we'd never come back home to Toronto a prediction I found surprising but as it turned out quite accurate. Jim, we'll miss your counsel, great chats and friendship. John & Lori McGowan
April 18, 2021
Chich and Anita
Jim’s was a life fully lived and on his journey he uplifted us all and gave us so many great memories. He was passionate, humorous, fun loving, curious and maybe most of all caring. He had an interest in everyone he met and could often be found as someone said “over there with his new best friend.” He had a gift of making kids, whatever their age, feel special. At larger gatherings he would always take the time to talk directly to them and find out what they were up to. And we can hear his response, “Oh…that’s wonderful”. But it was him who was the wonderful family man and friend. We will miss him but his path has enriched our lives.
April 18, 2021
Anne and Leo Burns
As we look back over so many years we can honestly say there was never a bad day when we got together with Jim. His endless pursuit of fun and laughter has left us with so many humorous and enjoyable memories... an underwater search for my glasses lost wind surfing, where we managed to lose the anchor, the boat and the glasses....a trip to the dump that left Chich waiting at the first tee for an hour as we destroyed a hideabed couch his mother still wanted, helped another guy pick up his load off the road and debated the need for a receipt for his junk with the 'dump guy'...getting the golf cart stuck in the swamp on the 16th at the Riverclub near where the giant alligator occasionally paid a visit ...and many more. Much love, Anne and Leo ,
April 17, 2021
Ron Simpson
It is with deep sadness that I convey my condolences to the family of James, Jasper, Jimmy Smyth. I was honoured to be welcomed into the "Rabble" football family with particular love and respect for how Jimmy and Mary opened their hearts to me. My thoughts and prayers to Mary and the extended Smyth family at this time of great loss.
April 17, 2021
Gloomi and Cat
Jim's zest for life and his positive attitude were contagious and uplifting to all who knew him. Although he leaves us too soon, we all have wonderful memories and stories that will keep his legacy alive. It has been our honour to have known and associated with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, the boys and their families.
April 15, 2021
Diane and Jerry Mayer
Diane and I were deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a character - so full of life, with a dash of good-natured mischief thrown in for good measure. He was quick to crack a joke, smile and laugh. He had a youthful exuberance that he couldn’t keep contained for long – it always wanted to come out and play! He was an all-round great guy - fun to be with, whether playing a round of golf, or playing cards, or chatting and socializing at the 19th hole, or at the cottage, or in a restaurant. We lost a truly great guy. We hope the warmth of many wonderful memories bring you some comfort. We are thinking of you and your family and friends whose lives he touched so deeply and dearly. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
April 14, 2021
Irene Ferguson
Jim will be sorely missed. As a former employee of over 17 years, I knew Jim before he even became a lawyer. I will miss his infectious laugh and warm and gentlemanly manner. He was a fantastic mentor and teacher. Rest in peace Jim. My heartfelt condolences to the Smyth and McIntyre families.
April 13, 2021
Elena Adamo & Family
I am deeply saddened by Jim’s passing. What a privilege it was to have had Jim as a mentor and teacher. He was an incredible man; one of the kindest, warmest and without a doubt, a true gentleman. His ready smile, roaring laughter and generosity of spirit are some of the wonderful memories I have of Jim. The kind of memories that make you smile and proud to have known a man like James Alexander Smyth. Sending heartfelt condolences to the Smyth, McIntyre & MM&S families. May you have find comfort in his love and keep that alive with all the beautiful memories.
April 12, 2021
Sylvia Nunzi
My heartfelt condolences to the Smyth and McIntyre families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad and difficult time. May you each find comfort, peace and solace in special memories of Jim that are yours to treasure forever. I shall remember him fondly, especially for his caring and kindness.