Longtime harness racing industry participant James 'Jim' Wilson of Melancthon, Ont. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at the age of 88.
Beloved husband of Anne, the love of his life, married 65 years. Dear father of Barbara, Alan, Janice (Clayton), Brian (Brenda) and Kathleen (Trevor). Cherished Papa of Matthew, James, Elizabeth, Kirsten, Brianna, Brooke, Stephanie, Karissa, Rebecca, Darrin. Dearest Great-Grandpa to Eli, Josephine, Nora, Landon. Remembered by his siblings Sally (deceased), Robert (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Peggy, Edie, Dorothy, Gwen, Kathleen, Jon. Jim will also be greatly missed by other relatives and many friends.
Jim was a proud farmer, a funny Irishmen, and a man whose larger-than-life personality, could brighten any room he walked into. A lifelong love of farming and animals was a big part of who he was, and his passion for horse racing held a special place in his life. He loved music, singing, dancing, and making people laugh. Above all, he loved his family. Jim was a giver with a heart of gold. He had a way of bringing people together through his wonderful sense of humour, his love for life, and his unmistakable personality. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter and love that will be cherished by all those who knew him.
Visitation will be held at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 21 First St., Orangeville, Ont., on Monday Oct. 26, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather for a funeral service that will be held at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church, 6 John St., Orangeville, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (Prostate Cancer), Shelburne Food Bank or Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church would be appreciated by the family.
A tree will be planted in memory of James (Jim) in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. Condolences may be offered to the family at dodsandmcnair.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim Wilson.
Our family would like to…
Our family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Anne and the entire family on Jim’s passing.
Jim was truly one of those salt-of-the-earth gentlemen, a hardworking family man with a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humour and that unmistakable Irish wit.
I’ll always remember our visits to the farm when my children were young. We could never leave without Jim making sure we had at least a dozen fresh eggs and a little treat for each of the kids. It was such a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the kind of man he was.
Jim belonged to a generation of good, honest, hardworking people whose shoes will never be easy to fill. He will be remembered with great fondness and respect.
May the wonderful memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kyle Reibeling and family