James F. Lemieux

December 3, 1937 - October 22, 2021

James (Jim) Lemieux, born December 3, 1937, in Midland, died peacefully on October 22, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. Married May 23, 1960, beloved husband of 61 years to Gail Lemieux. Loving father to Bret Lemieux (Tricia Lemieux), Marc Lemieux, and Nicole Tacker (Greg Tacker). Proud grandfather to his beloved grandchildren James Robert Lemieux, Emma Lemieux, Daniel Tacker, and Ethan Tacker. Jim is survived by his sister Marion Deeton and was predeceased by his brother Rick, mother Margaret and father Fred.

As a young man, Jim was an excellent athlete helping lead Midland High School to the 1952 Tudhope Cup Track and Field Championships, winning five first places and two third places. He played Junior “C” hockey for the then Midland Red Wings and Intermediate “A” for the Midland Flyers. Jim played baseball for 17 seasons with the Midland Indians during which time they captured 5 Ontario Baseball Association Provincial Championships. Jim remained active in sports for years as a referee, umpire, and convener with the O.H.A and O.M.H.A.

Jim found his calling and joined the Fire Service in 1966, serving as Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief in the Midland Fire Department. In 1980 he moved to Barrie with his family where he took the position of Deputy Fire Chief and completed his 35-year career in 2000 after serving as the Fire Chief of the Barrie Fire and Emergency Services. In 1985 Jim was the initial First Responder to the 1985 Barrie Tornado, enacting the City’s disaster plan in the early moments of that memorable day.

Jim was an avid woodworker and spent many hours in his garage workshop, building projects for his own home and for many others. Many treasured lifelong friendships were developed over various projects and perhaps a bottle of rum. In the summer, Jim could be found by his pool and cherished the friendships he developed across the backyard fences and throughout his neighbourhood during his almost 40 years on Springhome Road.

At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca