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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WLLIAMSON, James Walter (Jim) - passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital on July 11th, 2022.
He was born in Hepworth, Ontario, March 19th, 1928. He attended public schools there and in nearby Wiarton. His father was a medical doctor and his mother a registered nurse. Together they started a medical practice in that part of Bruce County in Southern Ontario.
In the spring of wartime 1943, at the age of fifteen, Jim hitch-hiked to Montreal and joined the Merchant Navy as a Seaman. He sailed in convoys in five different ships to Newfoundland, the UK, North Africa and Italy. He was in Australia when the Pacific war ended in August, 1945.
After returning to Canada, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Seaman. His first posting was to the aircraft carrier HMCS Warrior. and his last posting was to NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium. The high light of his career was commanding a Royal Guard in Centennial year 1976. for the arrival in Halifax, NS of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and two brothers Doug and Jack. He is survived by his son Capt(N) Ret'd Mike and grandchildren Jessica and Devin, and sons Tom (Stella). Peter and sister Marg (Larry) and First Cousin Susan. Also nephews Doug, Tim, John and niece Kathy. He will be missed by his dear friend and companion of the past thirteen years, Audrey Johnson. He was a trustee of the Canadian Memorial Trust, HMCS Sackville, a member of the Nova Scotia Naval Association, and a member of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association. He enjoyed all sports.
A private memorial service will be held and burial will be at sea.
Footnote: The above prose was penned by my dad, Jim, a couple of years ago and he wished that it be used. So be it, but it does not fully express the humorous, honourable, kind and loving man he was. To the end there was a sparkle in his eye, a polite word to those around him, and a truly caring outlook for everyone that touched his life. He epitomizes one of those individuals whom you really don't appreciate how much they will be missed until they have departed. Fair winds and following seas to Dad and Grampy Jim. We all love you. Your son, Mike. (The Victoria Times Colonist 23 Jul 2022)
Ships served in: HMCS HAIDA - Served in HAIDA as a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Gunnery Instructor, RCN in the late 1950s
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