James (Jim) Lyle Bagley

James (Jim) Lyle Bagley passed away peacefully at home at the age of 78, following a courageous 20 year journey with Parkinson’s disease. Jim was born in Orillia on November 23, 1947, the first of nine children born to the late Lyle and Marie Bagley (née Kett). Jim was predeceased by his grandparents, Sidney and Lulu Bagley (née Rennie), and Charles and Elizabeth Kett (née Cooper), as well as his aunts, Christine Brandon (Lyle) and Trudy Knapp (Graydon).

As the eldest sibling, Jim was a devoted and loving big brother to his eight younger siblings. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert Bagley (Susan) and Ross Bagley (Marlene), and by his sister, Cathy Rentner (Bagley). Jim is survived by his sisters Marylu Foley (Paul), Jane O’Dell (Tim), Lyla Davison (Bruce), Patricia Allen (Peter), and Jacquie Askett (Brian). They will forever remember his humour, the special bond they held as a family, and the phrase “Jimmy is a Bonehead.”

Jim shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Connie Bagley (née Rowan). Jim was a prominent fixture at Olive Crescent in the home and lives of his late Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Frank and Eileen Rowan (née Drew).

He will be fondly remembered by his Sisters-in-Law Carole McWhinnie (Robert), and Pamela Venasse (Chris); and his Brothers-in-Law Dr. Bob O’Dell, Bernie Venasse and the late Perry Fell.

Jim was a proud and loving father to Charles and Krystal Bagley (née Lekic) and Kate and Darren Churchill (née Bagley). Jim was cherished by his grandchildren Victoria and Leah Bagley and Rowan and Paisley Churchill. He delighted in the magic of time spent with his grandchildren—especially pool parties, art projects, Christmas tree cutting, fishing from the town dock, and fireworks displays.

There was much fun with Uncle Jim, as he shared many happy moments with his nieces and nephews Shannon, Jason, David, Jennifer, Jonathan, Sarah, Michael, Claire, Marisa, Kyle, Jennie, Amy, Bradley, Michelle, Carmen, Lana, Robert, Katherine, and his late niece, Natalie.

Jim is survived by his uncle, Glen Bagley (the late Shirley), and by his cousins Jodi, Kimberley, Elizabeth, Sharon, Lynn, and the late John, all of whom held a special place in Jim’s life.

He loved to dance and from the age of 13 he knew where to find all the local dance halls. He met Connie at the Southward Hall and they continued to dance for many years to come. Jim was very athletic and was captain of the junior football team at ODCVI. He joined army cadets and spent two summers at Camps Picton and Ipperwash. In his early twenties, Jim proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Orillia Fire Department, attending some of Orillia’s major fires.

An accomplished artist, Jim created breathtaking oil and acrylic paintings of Orillia’s landscapes and landmarks, many of which hang proudly in the homes of family members. Though largely self-taught, he had the opportunity to study under renowned artist Marta Brestovansky. Couchiching Beach Park held a special place in Jim’s heart from childhood onward, serving as the backdrop for countless adventures, family gatherings, community events, and as a constant source of inspiration for his art.

He began his career as a drafting apprentice in the engineering office of Dorr-Oliver Long; remaining with the company for forty years and through several name changes in pulp and paper and mining equipment sales. His territory had him travel across Canada and into the States as well as a trip to China. He hung up his hard hat and retired in 2009 as Senior Technical Sales, Mines Division, FLSmidth Minerals.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Jim’s health care team, Dr. N. Daraei (Family Physician) and Dr. L Witten (Neurologist) for their expertise, compassion, and dedicated care. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the staff of Ontario Health at Home for the support and care they provided to Jim.

If desired as an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Parkinson Canada.

The family wishes to thank Mundell Funeral Home, Orillia for their support and professionalism throughout this difficult time. Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date.