Updated: James 'Jim' McCormick Passes

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James "Jim" McCormick passed away on Saturday (Nov. 23) at his home in Arnprior, Ont. surrounded by his family. He was in his 79th year.

Jim was well known as a very hard working, successful horse trainer, from Arnprior, Ontario. Jim was renowned for many years as one of Ontario’s top colt trainers. While he did drive some, in his early career years, he preferred to break in and develop young horses, at his home stable in Arnprior, perhaps give them a start or two at Rideau Carleton Raceway, then send them to equally successful trainer/drivers on the OJC circuit to race in the lucrative Ontario Sires Stakes Program.

Jim’s love for the sport was apparent in particular with his success in breaking, training & developing young trotters.

Jim trained for several owners in the Ottawa Valley Region, including Dr. Roly Armitage, Glen Pearson, Don Dinsdale (Capital Racing Stable), Gib Van Allen, Gerome Voldock, but most notably for the Faskens of Oakville, Ont., owner of one of Canada’s most prolific trotting families, that of Flemingtons Jane.

Before breaking out on his own as a trainer, Jim worked in his early years for Dr. John Findley's Madawaska Farms in Arnprior, followed by a stint as trainer for Jack Kenney, on the OJC circuit, before returning to the employ of Dr. Findley where he learned & took on the responsibilities of the breeding part of the business, as well as training. While here, he had the opportunity to work with another great Canadian family of trotters, that of the great Dalyce Blue.

Jim’s last visit to the races was at Kawartha Downs on Sept. 21, 2019, where it was like “Old Home Week”. Jim had a great time visiting and reminiscing and having a few laughs with longtime friends, Doug Hie, Carmen Hie, and Doug Brown.

Jim was always very willing to help younger trainers and friends, with suggestions or remedies for any issues they may be having with their stock. Jim will be greatly missed by his many peers and friends in our Standardbred community.

Jim is survived by his wife Rita, Son Paul (Tracey), daughter Kelly (Andy), and their families. Funeral arrangements will be released when available.

It was Jim’s request that in his memory, donations be made to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS).

Arrangements for Jim McCormick have been entrusted to the Pilon Family Funeral Home, located at 50 John Street North, in Arnprior, Ont. Visitation will be taking place on Wednesday, November 27 from 2 - 4:45 p.m., followed by a tribute to Jim at 5 p.m. A reception will follow.

To view Jim’s obituary on the Pilon Family Funeral Home website, click here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim McCormick.