On Monday, July 15, 2024, Jim passed away peacefully in his 85th year. He was predeceased by his parents William and Isobel McAdams. Jim is survived by his sons Brett, Scott (Jackie) and grandchildren Andrew and Abby, Jason (Sandy) and grandchildren Owen and Ryan, and his partner of 50 years Emily Morino, her children Keith and Kiyomi (Margaret) and grandchildren Ila, Pippa and Forrest.
Jim was born August 10, 1939 in the town of Woodstock. Jim will be missed by his brother Hugh (Beth) and his nieces and nephews. He eventually moved with the family to Leaside in Toronto and graduated from University of Toronto. Jim later became well-known as a teacher and coach for 36 years at Riverdale Collegiate Institute in Toronto (1962-1998). He was passionate about sports, including football, swimming, volleyball and basketball and was a successful coach of many championship teams. As a coach, Jim was an inspiring influence to both students and other coaching staff. His coaching style was very inclusive, giving everyone a chance to participate.
During his career, Jim served as Toronto Secondary School Athletic Association President and department head of Physical Health Education, and was generally involved in all school activities.
Jim enjoyed travel, exploring destinations all across Canada as well as the Bahamas, Tucson, Barcelona, Menorca, Tel Aviv, Honolulu, Fiji, Scotland and even taught Physical Education in Sydney, Australia for a couple of years. Jim especially loved spending summers with family and friends at the cottage on Healey Lake, where he enthusiastically introduced everyone to water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, and swimming.
Jim was always motivated to help others and give back to the community. While living in Brighton after retirement, he served as a Community Care volunteer. After resettling to Orillia in 2009, he contributed as a Champlain Seniors member and volunteer, as well as volunteering for Helping Hands community support services.
The family would like to thank the staff at Leacock Care Centre, 3rd floor, home area 5 for their loving care for Jim.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Carson Funeral Homes L. Doolittle Chapel 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595 on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 1-4 P.M. with sharing of memories beginning at 2:30 P.M. To watch the sharing of memories log on to the Carson Funeral Homes Youtube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=carson+funeral+home+channel
If desired, memorial donations to the Orillia Salvation Army, https://salvationarmyorillia.ca/ways-to-give/ would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences
Elisa Williams Schroen
Jul 28, 2024My deepest condolences on the passing of a wonderful man. He led by example and the world was better for his presence in it. Elisa RCI Class of ‘98
Mary Jones
Jul 24, 2024Dear Emily, Ken and I are remembering Jim with fondness. He was so kind and supportive at Healey Lake when we would stay on Lily Island with our girls. You both were so welcoming, sharing activities and fun when we stayed there for summer vacations. The memories are very special.
Alexandra Fokine
Jul 24, 2024I will always remember the Queen City Aquatics Club that Mr. McAdams organized at Monarch during the summer months. Thank you and God Bless.
Jason Atkinskn
Jul 23, 2024To the McAdams family and close friends, my deepest sympathies and condolences from my family to yours. The ones we loose along this journey of life never truly leave us so long as we keep them dear in our hearts and prayers. Mr. McAdams was such an integral part of not just mine but many other students physical education along our paths. He was always willing to help and guide when needed. He will be truly missed by all. Jason RCI class of 96.
Tim Stone
Jul 23, 2024A great teacher affects eternity. A rare and gifted educator guided by compassion and creativity who saw the best in everyone. His impact is immense and clearly lives on. So sorry for your loss, Emily and family. Tim, RCI, class of '96
George Heropoulos
Jul 22, 2024I am very sorry for your loss may his memory be eternal. Mr McAdams was a great teacher and great basketball coach to myself and many young men back in the day at Riverdale Collegiate. He mentored lot of us and provided great life lessons that I carried out into my life and instilled unto my children. I was extremely saddened to hear of his passing but throughout the years I always think back and reminisce about Mr McAdams one of my best teachers, coach and friend, you could always count on him to steer you in the right direction. God bless you COACH!! Thank you for everything you taught us and it was a true pleasure to have had you in my life. Rest in peace and you will never be forgotten.
Kelly Kanellakis
Jul 20, 2024He was one of my favourite teachers at RCI! He was also one of the first to tell me, after I had graduated, to just call him by his first name! Considering I wasn’t much into sports he managed to get me involved! His warm manner, genuine smiles and sincere interest in students made a world of difference to so many of us! The memory of him will continue to bless us forever.