Obituary of Jim Houghton

The first story Jim Houghton might have told you was how he was a Canadian Olympic speed skater who was on track to win gold, but dropped his mitten, and had to stop to pick it up so he never crossed the finish line. He would always make you smile with a clever joke, witty quip, or amusing line.

Jim was an immigration officer who helped thousands of families immigrate to Canada to start a better life. He could spend hours watching planes and ships arrive and depart and even more hours watching his beloved Blue Jays. He was always happy to putter and to engage in various projects to support his community and those he loved. He cared deeply for his extended family and long time friends, and made a point of staying connected with them.

Jim Houghton looked death in the eyes a number of times in the last four years. He always said he wanted to “wake up dead”. Ultimately, he got his wish. It is not lost on any of us that he died on Groundhog Day. He got the last laugh. As the world continues without Jim, there will be fewer jokes, but lots of smiles and laughter as we remember and celebrate his legacy. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marian, daughter Betty (Jamie), and sons Bob (Elaine), and Ken (Angela); brother Don (Judith); grandchildren Geoffrey (Danielle), Jim (Bethany), Jennifer, Chad (Christa) and Alison (Rylan); and great-grandchildren: Jala, Kenneth, Benaiah, Landon, Judah, Theodore, Braxton, and Willow. Predeceased by his parents, Helen (Whiting) and Bob Houghton.