Trot Insider has learned longtime Ontario Racing Commission Judge James ‘Jim’ Thatcher of Rockwood, Ont., passed in peace at home on October 29 surrounded by his two daughters after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 74.
Jim will be reuniting with his loving wife Juliette. Jim leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters Shari (Brian Devries) and LeeAnne (Murray Dewar), his adored grandchildren Taylor and Jacob Box, and Murcedes and Izsak Dewar.
Jim was the beloved son of the late Sophie and Ed Thatcher and will be sadly missed by his brother, John (Janet) Thatcher, his brother Jerry (Brenda) Thatcher and late sister, Janet Thatcher (Gary Moore).
Jim is predeceased by his sister in law, the late, Catherine Byers, and his memory will be treasured by his sisters-in-law, Carol (Ian McGuffie), Elizabeth Byers, Susan (Peter Falconer), Dorothy Gourlay and his brothers-in-law, David (the late Gail) and Michael Byers. He leaves behind his many loved nieces, nephews and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel , 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph. Cremation has taken place. As per James' wishes, no memorial services will be held.
If so desired, as expressions of sympathy, donations to Dialysis Closer to Home or to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society would be greatly appreciated by the family. Cards available at the funeral home, 519-821-5077, or condolences may be left online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim Thatcher.
A judges life when out on the
A judges life when out on the road can be a lonely one, especially when far from home. On those occasions when Jim worked Windsor Raceway, he and I would spend the odd morning at Caesars, taking in their 10am poker tournaments. We had a deal that we would split any winnings. After watching him at the poker table during the day, and then in the judges stand at night, I can tell you this: Jim Thatcher was a good poker player, but, he was a great judge!