Prominent Standardbred owner Edward Donald James, 92, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2023 in Aurora, Ont., his residence for 53 years.
He was born in 1931 to Ed (Sr.) and Jamima James in Hamilton, Ont. Having never passed Grade 10 (after two attempts), Ed went on to become the national sales manager and president of two different multi-national companies and in his spare time also entreprenerd hugely successful national and global companies both for himself and his sons. He was a massively respected figure in the horse racing world, having owned racehorses for more than 65 years including U.S. and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee McWicked under his SSG Stables.
He is survived by his sons Dennis, Stuart and Robert, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and his second wife Lynda. His first wife Diane (mother of the sons) passed away in 2000.
With his infectious wit, humour and charm, he made friends all over the world ... with his drive and headstrong bulldozer determination, a few enemies. He will be forever missed by his family and hundreds of friends. He always aimed to be remembered like his father, a solid respected man, a straight arrow. And he achieved that in spades. His dad would be proud.
A Celebration of Life for Ed will be on Dec. 3, 2023 at Filly and Co. 14888 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, L4G 1M7.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the James family.
Please Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ed James.