Obituary for Dr. Jim BRIMNER
Dr. James Henry Brimner – Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Stratford General Hospital, on Monday, September 4, 2023 at the age of 80.
Beloved husband of Jeanette Brimner (nee Smith) for 53 years. Loving father of Keith (Tracey) Brimner, Bryan (Margaret) Brimner, the late Scott Brimner (2015), and Theresa (Ryan) Geil. Cherished grandpa of Keianna, Blake, James, Ben, Maya, and Kali. Predeceased by his brother Doug (Grace) Brimner. He will be fondly remembered by Jeanette’s family as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jim was born in a farmhouse in Harrow, ON as a premature baby, where he was placed in a basket by the fire stove to keep warm. As Jim grew, he attended school in Harrow and Kingsville, ON. During his childhood, he faced several health challenges, including spending many months in traction, which resulted in his trademark limp. Due to his spending so much time in the hospital, Jim developed a love of reading and learning, and he went on to attend the University of Guelph where he was granted a PhD in chemistry, with honours.
While he was in Guelph, he met a young teacher named Jeanette Smith. It was love at first sight and they were soon married and would remain happily married for 53 years. After marriage, the young couple moved to Ridgetown where Jim would work for the Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology for over 25 years as a professor and researcher. Ridgetown would be where Jim and Jeanette raised their four children, who aged him greatly with their antics. In the mid 90’s, Jim and Jeanette moved to Embro, ON where he worked for Stratford Agri Analysis for another 15 plus years.
In his spare time, Jim was an avid Duplicate Bridge player and received his life Master designation. He was member of the Chatham, Ridgetown, and Tillsonburg bridge clubs, often taking on leadership roles in the organizations. He was a volunteer for the Heart and Stroke Association, garnering more donations by taking his adorable, young daughter on his collection route. Jim was always smiling and laughing and ready with a corny joke for everyone he met.
He was caring, compassionate, and honest and would do anything for anyone who needed his help. His sons looked up to him and try to be the same amazing father to their children as he was to them. He taught his daughter what a good man should be so that she could chose a partner who loved her and treated her as well as he did. He was well respected by everyone who knew him and just an all-around great man.
Family will receive guests at the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, on Friday, between 6 – 8 p.m. A funeral liturgy will take place at Sacred Heart Church, on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. led by Father Gilbert Simard. Guests are invited to the Henderson Hall following the service for a reception. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Canadian Lung Association. Personal condolences may be sent at www.mcbeathdynes.ca
Beloved husband of Jeanette Brimner (nee Smith) for 53 years. Loving father of Keith (Tracey) Brimner, Bryan (Margaret) Brimner, the late Scott Brimner (2015), and Theresa (Ryan) Geil. Cherished grandpa of Keianna, Blake, James, Ben, Maya, and Kali. Predeceased by his brother Doug (Grace) Brimner. He will be fondly remembered by Jeanette’s family as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jim was born in a farmhouse in Harrow, ON as a premature baby, where he was placed in a basket by the fire stove to keep warm. As Jim grew, he attended school in Harrow and Kingsville, ON. During his childhood, he faced several health challenges, including spending many months in traction, which resulted in his trademark limp. Due to his spending so much time in the hospital, Jim developed a love of reading and learning, and he went on to attend the University of Guelph where he was granted a PhD in chemistry, with honours.
While he was in Guelph, he met a young teacher named Jeanette Smith. It was love at first sight and they were soon married and would remain happily married for 53 years. After marriage, the young couple moved to Ridgetown where Jim would work for the Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology for over 25 years as a professor and researcher. Ridgetown would be where Jim and Jeanette raised their four children, who aged him greatly with their antics. In the mid 90’s, Jim and Jeanette moved to Embro, ON where he worked for Stratford Agri Analysis for another 15 plus years.
In his spare time, Jim was an avid Duplicate Bridge player and received his life Master designation. He was member of the Chatham, Ridgetown, and Tillsonburg bridge clubs, often taking on leadership roles in the organizations. He was a volunteer for the Heart and Stroke Association, garnering more donations by taking his adorable, young daughter on his collection route. Jim was always smiling and laughing and ready with a corny joke for everyone he met.
He was caring, compassionate, and honest and would do anything for anyone who needed his help. His sons looked up to him and try to be the same amazing father to their children as he was to them. He taught his daughter what a good man should be so that she could chose a partner who loved her and treated her as well as he did. He was well respected by everyone who knew him and just an all-around great man.
Family will receive guests at the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, on Friday, between 6 – 8 p.m. A funeral liturgy will take place at Sacred Heart Church, on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. led by Father Gilbert Simard. Guests are invited to the Henderson Hall following the service for a reception. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Canadian Lung Association. Personal condolences may be sent at www.mcbeathdynes.ca