Obituary of James Edward Adamson
Jim Adamson passed away peacefully at the age of 83, at Toronto Western after a long hospitalization. Survived by his wife Roselind of 25 yrs (sons Adrian & Benjamin). Jim was born June 30, 1940 in Toronto to Raynette & Jim Adamson Sr. He returned to his mother’s birth state to study economics at St Benedict’s in Kansas, where he met Jeanne Hinchey at the all girls college, through her brother, Jim. They married in 1964 and moved to Toronto, where Jim was studying law at The University of Toronto. Their first set of twins, Jennifer & Pamela were born in 1965. The family moved to London Ontario in 1967 when Jim joined Ivey & Dowler Law firm, as a corporate litigator and soon thereafter, became partner. Son Jimmy was born in 1968, then a second set of twins, Elizabeth ‘Beth’ and Lenore were born in 1973.
Jim taught all five of his children to ski, appreciate good music, such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Bee Gees & James Taylor on vinyl, and enjoy Shakespearean stage plays in nearby Stratford. He was an avid reader with a marvellous vocabulary, and imparted the value of a concise Oxford English Dictionary. After Jeanne’s death in 1987, Jim returned to Toronto to practice law at Keel Cotrelle, and Gilberston Davis & Emerson, for many years. He finished with some pro bono work before retiring in his late 70’s. He is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer, Pamela (D’Arcy)& Beth. Predeceased by his wife Jeanne, son Jimmy, daughter Lenore and brother Mark. Survived by brother Jay, sister Kate and brother-in-law Robert(Joan).
Remembered by seven grandchildren Lauren, Amanda(Rami), Louie, Peter(Preanka), Jerry, Jeanne and Alexa. Great grandchild, Henry. Jim was blessed with dozens of cousins, twenty two in total. Also, many good friendships: Frank Dowler, Dick Ivey, Mack Grant, Donald Gordon, Graham Orwin, Richard Bain, to name a few. Jim considered himself to have been very lucky in life. To have known the love of a devoted wife, twice, life-saving friends, and the care and devotion of his three daughters, at the end of his life. Visitors are welcome to John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London, on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica at 1:30 p.m. Burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Food Bank would be appreciated.
