Obituary of Jim Chittim

Chittim: Jim With much sadness, we announce the passing of James Charles Chittim on December 13, 2014. He was born in Chatham, 90 years ago, on February 18, 1924, son of the late Charles & Lucy (Newkirk) Chittim. Beloved husband of 68 years to Margaret (Thomas) Chittim. Loving father of Jayne & Bill Park of Chatham, Marcia & Richard Parker of Oshawa, Ken & Bonnie Chittim of Chatham, and a late infant son Thomas Mark (1949). Cherished grandfather of Matt Park & Jeeyoung Son, Ryan & Christina Park, Karen Park & Guillaume Michaud, Darren Park & Agnes Kurek, Krista Parker & Mike Sandeman, Laura & Sven Byl, Nadine & Mark Davis, Mackenzie & Eric Allen, and Jeff Chittim. He is survived by twelve beautiful great grandchildren Suji, Yuna, Niamh, Callum, Xavier, James, Atticus, Spencer, Parker, Harrison, Julia, Ashlynn. Jim was the last surviving member of his family, predeceased by his sisters Ellen Chittim, May Trotter, and brothers Herbert, Robert, William, Richard, David. Survived by his sister-in-law Ruth Chittim of Waterloo. Jim served God and his community as a positive, committed, outgoing team member who always looked for the truth and the best way for all involved. He was active for many years as Sunday School Superintendent and Elder with the former Park Street United Church, and was a current member St. Andrew's United Church. He acted as a school board trustee for a number of years, and several agricultural organizations including National Farmers Union, Ontario Wheat Producers Marketing Board, and Vegetable Growers. Jim & Margaret enjoyed many a summer day at the family cottage in Rondeau with family & friends. Jim was lead by God, and followed the plan set out for him to worship, love, share and take care of the Earth that was entrusted to him. When his active farming days were finished, he continued to maintain a large garden, and made numerous donations of produce to Outreach for Hunger. We will always remember him saying,"What can I get you from the garden?" May you rest in peace, as the garden you have cared for will continue to flourish. Many thanks to wonderful caregivers at the Village on the Ridge and Riverview Gardens who have helped make him comfortable and bring his jokes and smile to the surface. God bless you all! Friends will be received at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday from 3:00-5:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Friday December 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow, with interment at Pardoville-Union Cemetery at a later date. If desired, please consider a memorial donation to Outreach for Hunger or St. Andrews United Church in his memory. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham