Martz, Jim Willam
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at his home at the age of 74.
Beloved husband of Barb for almost 45 years. Loving Dad to Melissa, John (Lindsay) of Toronto, Joe (Amy), Katie (Mark) Siegel, and Maggie (Rob) Laurin. Greatest Papa to Paige, Molly and Tyler Siegel, Lucy Martz, Ellie, Charlie and Baby Grace Laurin. Dear brother to Anne (Mike) Choma of Desboro and Mary Martz of Toronto. Predeceased by his parents, Carl and Marie and his brother Bob.
Born and raised in the area, Jim spent his working life in Kitchener. Following nearly thirty years at Uniroyal Goodrich, latterly as a supervisor, Jim ventured out with a new goal: to make other people's gardens look just as good as his own. His landscaping business allowed him to apply his natural creativity and green thumb to beautifying houses around the city. In his later years, following his retirement, he lent these talents to his local church - St. Anne's. A man of deep faith and integrity, he valued the opportunity to give back to his place of worship as well as his community.
Jim was a true character whose warmth and humour endeared him to family, friends and strangers alike. His impeccable comic timing and a gift for a well-executed comment - always delivered with a twinkle in his eye - never failed to make an impression. He also made space for his family and friends to shine, and was an excellent audience (and foil) for the more dramatic members of the Martz clan.
It was clear to anyone who knew him that Jim's family was at the centre of everything he did. He will be especially missed around the dinner table on Melrose Avenue - not the least by his beloved dog, Daisy, whose culinary education was undertaken at his right hand - and at the family's yearly trips to the cottage, where he was known to lead the group in a few of his favourite songs, and took little convincing to participate in whatever game was being played.
Jim was above all a very good sport. A sentimental man with a big heart, Jim never minded that he had developed a reputation for crying at the drop of a hat (or the announcement of a new grandchild, or the giving of a particularly thoughtful gift). Though delivered in a compact package, his outsized spirit has made its mark on his family and friends, and will be carried on in their memories and through their stories.
Jim's family will receive relatives and friends from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 and Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (parish prayers at 8:30 p.m.) at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church, 268 East Ave., Kitchener, on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Woodland Cemetery followed by a reception at Conestoga Place, 110 Manitou Dr., Kitchener.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Joseph's R.C. Church - Building Fund, St. Anne's R.C. Church - Building Fund or House of Compassion would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Jim's memorial.