Obituary of James R. Koning

Koning: James R. “Jim”. A lifelong resident of Chatham, Jim Koning died peacefully at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday November 22, 2011. Born in Chatham, 76 years ago, son of the late John & Isabel (Coxford) Koning. Beloved husband of Penny Fox of Chatham, and the late Joan Koning (2007). Loving father of Maureen Elliott of Owen Sound, Lynne & Daryl Hovey of Lowbanks, and Richard Koning & Dar Harvey of Mississauga. Predeceased by his son-in-law Dr. Mark Elliott (2007). Cherished grandfather of Joshua & Lori Elliott, Kristen Elliott & Ian Munroe, Joel Elliott, Natasha Hovey, Melissa & Blake Watson, Rebecca Hovey, Tristan Koning, and great grandfather of Reid Watson and Jasmine Elliott. Dear brother of Gerald & Sharon Koning of Florida, and Joyce Hepburn (late Mac, 2011) of St. Thomas. Fondly remembered by his ten nieces and their families. Jim will be lovingly remembered by Penny’s family: her children Rob & Patti Fox, Deb & Nick Roberts; grandsons Henry & Sean; and by her siblings and their families. Jim began what was to be his life’s work in his early 20’s when he joined his father at Mercury Press in 1957. In the mid 60’s he purchased all of the shares in the newly incorporated business and continued to operate Mercury Press Ltd. (Chatham) until the sale of the company in January 1990 to Mr. John Butzer. The firm operates today as Chamberlain-Mercury Printing. Jim served with the Jaycee organization for 20 years including 2 years on the Ontario Board, one as Vice-President, and one as a director of the Canada Jaycees. In 1976, Jim was inducted into the Chatham Kiwanis Club and later transferred into the Chatham-Kent Golden K Kiwanis in his retirement. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Friday 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Avenue West, Chatham on Saturday November 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andrew Hawkins officiating. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jim to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Paul’s Congregational Church would be welcomed by his family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com