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.