James Alexander Cruikshank

CRUIKSHANK, James Alexander
March 26, 1934 – October 23, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we say our goodbyes to James (Jim Sr.) who passed away after his long struggle with Parkinson’s, Dementia and Diabetes. The illnesses did not take away from who Jim Sr. was a Hard worker all his life, family man, athlete in his younger days he played hockey, football, baseball, on the swim team and an avid skater which is how he met his late wife Mary Jane. Predeceased by love of his life Mary Jane (Bradley) 2005, his daughter Karen (1998) his brother Doug (2001) and his parents Alexander (1971) and Olive (2010) Cruikshank, Jim’s In-laws John and Mary Bradley and brother in-law Bill Bradley who joined him and Mary Janes permanent move to City of Kawartha Lakes in 1963. Jim Sr. leaves behind his son Jim Jr. his wife Gillian formally (McGeorge), Jim Sr’s grandchildren Tom, Cayla, Mackenzie, Lorna, Skylar, Cole and Riley, great grandchildren Ashlyn, Charlee, Nathan, Lilly and Aiden. He says goodbye to his best friends Herb and Heather Young who spent much time with as the four amigos toured Kawartha lakes on a house boat, day tripping, spending many hours at Tim Hortons just talking.  Jim started out his career as a police rookie in Scarborough following in his father Alexanders footsteps. After his marriage and birth of son James Craig (Jim Jr.) they decided they wanted to raise their family in the country.  Moved close to Pleasant Point in time for the birth of their daughter Karen, bought a farm, built a dry marina, driving range and raised some cattle, after the loss of his father in-law he closed the marina.  Jim worked for Uniroyal, Orville McLean for a few winters and farmed until they left the farm in the 80’s, he then worked for Oximed and then Home Stead Oxygen for about ten years.  Prior to their move they cottaged in the Kawarthas, he fished, boated and Jim swam across Sturgeon Lake and back many times.  Jim camped in Algonquin canoeing the lakes.  Jim Sr’s last 7 years was back on a small farm in Bobcaygeon which made him feel home again.  At Willow Hollow he put his stamp on his little patch of paradise, when he was not touring in his truck and trailer visiting his close family Bill and Ruth Cruikshank, Bruce and Carole Buchanan and Lloyd and Doris Buchanan. He visited the East Coast just him and his large stuffed co-pilot Buford in the passenger seat and almost made it to West Coast. We would like to Thank Dr. Graham Loeb for his decades of care of Jim Sr., Dr. Loeb’s receptionist Sherry, David E Hayford (deceased) who was like a second son, David’s wife Marilyn of Omemee and their family, the staff at the Adult day program in Bobcaygeon, Nursing staff at Ross memorial, Nancy from Saint Elizabeth’s caregiver and companion for Jim Sr. this past year, Shelby from Care Partners and Rev. Rodney Smith-Merkley.  A private family celebration of life will take place. In lieu of flowers, donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.