James “Jim” DeGurse

DeGurse – It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James William “Jim” DeGurse, age 86, of St. Clair Township on Monday, September 9, 2024. Loving husband of 59 years to Stephanie (nee Ochadleus). Much loved father of Donna DeGurse, Michelle (Daryl) Stevenson, Michael (Kelly) DeGurse, Stephen (Margaret) DeGurse and Daniel (Jodi) DeGurse. Cherished grandfather of James (Jeanna Finney), Nicole, Vaughan (Sophie McKelvie), Nolan, Benton, Alexandra and Samantha. Jim was the loving brother of Teresa (Don) Young and brother-in-law of Mary DeGurse, Joanne DeGurse, Al (Donna) Ochadleus, Kathy Valchuk and Veronica Beebe. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive in Canada and the United States. He was predeceased by; his parents Frank DeGurse (1964) and Helen (nee Doyle) (1988); his parents-in-law, Josephine Ochadleus (1990) and Alfred Ochadleus (1981); his siblings, Tom DeGurse (2013), Mary McLaughlin (2017) and her husband Bert (1991) and Joe DeGurse (2017); his in-laws, Larry Ochadleus (1991), Doug (2018) and Dolores Blanks (2021) and Jim Beebe (2011). Jim was born and raised in the Township of Moore. He was devoted to the community. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Past President of the Brigden Fair (2009) and a member of Moore Township and St. Clair Township Councils for many years. Jim spent many hours volunteering his time throughout the community with the Moore Agricultural Society, Lambton Elderly Outreach, Operation Christmas Tree and Mooretown Silver Stick. He was an avid sports fan playing baseball and hockey and coaching various teams. Faith and family were number one in his heart. He was a great role model to his children and grandchildren and could often be found following them in all of their sporting endeavors and other events. He had a great sense of humour. Jim loved to laugh and to play a good joke on someone. He will be remembered for his mischievous smile, his loyalty, his integrity, his kindness and his generosity. As his family, we are very proud and honoured to continue his legacy. What we have lost, heaven has gained. Friends will be received at the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Corunna on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Dan Vere Celebrating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the Bluewater Health Cancer Clinic Redevelopment or to the St. Joseph’s Church Restoration and Maintenance Fund. Messages and condolences may be left online at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845

Visitation Information

Sunday September 15, 2022 from 1-4 p.m.

Donations

Bluewater Health Cancer Clinic Redevelopment St. Joseph’s Church Restoration and Maintenance Fund

Funeral Date

Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Monday September 16, 2024

26 thoughts on “James “Jim” DeGurse”

  1. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Jim was one of the good ones. He used to play hockey with us guys from E/I from Petrosar, Polysar, Nova. But his best thing was to play jokes on us. Tightening the brake on a bucket at the end of a crane boom was his favorite move for us new guys! I’ll miss him. Sorry to all his family

  2. Stephanie and family: Jeff and I send our sincere sympathies to you all. We have appreciated Jim’s friendship over the years. Jim will always live in the hearts that knew him best. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. Dear Stephanie and Family,
    Our deepest sympathies to you all.
    Enjoyed getting to know Jim at the Moore Agricultural Society. Thinking of you all.
    Love and prayers
    Dan, Ellen Dailey

  4. Oh the wonderful memories. Howard and Jim were close friends and travelling buddies. Growing up together on the Kimball/ 10th line corner families with a long history of travel and settlement When He and Stephanie married I remember him telling Howard no kids for 5 years. Well we often shared a laugh of how that turned out. Jim and Stephanie were treasured friends and long time neighbours. The amount of time Jim, Stephanie and their children gave and are giving to this community is enriching. My love to all the DeGurse family. Thanks for sharing a wonderful friend; neighbour and man .
    Sharon LaPier

  5. Dear Stephanie and family, my sincere condolences on Jim’s passing, I have lots of memories of our times together on Council. I pray that God will surround you with peace and thankfulness for his live well lived.

  6. Ken Whiteford, Board Chair

    The Woodstock Police Service Board and senior management of the Service extend their heartfelt sympathy to Daryl and Shelly and the whole DeGurse family on the passing of JIm. May your family memories be shared and enjoyed during this time of grieving. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  7. So sorry Steph and family on hearing of the passing of Jim. I will always have great memories of him helping me in the Junior Fair building at Brigden Fair. Thinking of you and Donna at this sad time.

  8. Dear Stephanie and family, I want to express my sympathy to you all on Jim’s passing. I will forever have very fond memories of Jim helping me along as a young Clerk. He was a wonderful man and I am fortunate for my time with him.

  9. Hello Shelly & Daryl … my sympathy to you both on the passing of your Dad /Fil … keep your memories close to your heart !!!

  10. Dear Stephanie and Family, my deepest condolences on Jim’s passing. I so appreciated Jim’s dedication to the Municipality and his common sense approach to decision making. I enjoyed the time that I was able to spend with him and I know he will be greatly missed by his family and his community.

  11. Nicki and Kevin Reitter

    Dear Stephanie and Family:
    I am so incredibly sorry to hear of your loss. I still remember coming to your house for the family reunions when I was a child and Jim always made me feel so welcome. I am sorry we will not be able to travel up from North Carolina with the little one. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you across the miles. With deepest sympathy, Nicki Reitter (Barbara Pinelli’s daughter).

  12. Deanna (Core) Hillman

    Deepest sympathies to Teresa, Don and the entire DeGurse family. My parents (Dean and Lorna Core) always enjoyed chatting with Jim especially when he delivered meals to them in Brigden a true gentleman,

  13. Our deepest heart felt condolences to Stephanie and the DeGurse family. We’ve lost a good friend, mentor and community minded individual who gave his deepest devotion to all that he did. A true gentleman with a heart of gold. Many happy memories of times spent together with Township activities that will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family and may all the happy memories of years gone by live forever in your hearts.

  14. Richard and Diane Lunn

    To Stephanie and family, Our heartfelt condolences on Jim’s passing . We are grateful for all his years of service to our community. Diane and Richard Lunn and family

  15. Sue, Kaitlyn, Sarah and I are so very sad for your loss. Jim was one of the good ones. Whenever I saw him I was always greeted with a smile and a “Howdy Frank”, without fail. Over the years as my parents aged, Jim, Stephanie and Donna were always there to keep an eye on the house and carefully watch over Dad, especially towards the end. Jim was always a terrific neighbour and friend to our entire family and I know your house won’t be the same without him. So sorry again for your loss.
    Frank

  16. My sincere condolences to Donna, Margaret, Steve and family! I’m so very sorry for your loss! I pray you can find some peace in your memories! May God give comfort during this time!
    Tandra

  17. Dan and Jodi & family. So sorry for your loss . We are thinking of yous all at this difficult time. Brian Joanne and Krista Quinn

  18. Our sincere condolences to Stephanie, Steve, Margaret and family. Jim was a great guy to chat with at the hockey rink, the Brigden fair and left his imprint on family, friends and neighbours in St. Clair Township. He drove to many a game and seemed like he was always in the stands when Steve was playing. Cherish those memories and many more. Wish we could have made it on Sunday. Hopefully catch up to you soon Steve and Margaret. Take care.

  19. To Stephanie and family:

    It is hard to believe (or maybe I do not want to believe) it was 59 years ago that I was part of your wedding. I will not be able to attend the funeral but wanted to express my sincerest sympathies for your loss.

    Dave Plieth

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