James "Jim" Thomas Moss

It is with great sadness that the family of James Thomas Moss announces his passing on August 8, 2025. Jim passed away peacefully at Fairvern Long Term Care Home, surrounded by family and loving staff at the age of 81.

Jim was born April 4, 1944 (or 4/4/44 as he would proudly say), in Echo Bay, a small farm town outside of Sault Ste. Marie. He spent his early years working and living on the family farm, starting a family of his own and studying to become a Diesel Mechanic at Cambrian College. He then brought his family to Kenora, where he worked on logging trucks and later for the MTO. While living there there he enjoyed time outdoors, working in his garage and garden, and fishing with his kids.

After moving to Huntsville in the mid-70s, Jim continued to work for the MTO on large trucks and other machinery used to maintain the town and highways. He had a reputation for his great nature, reliable work ethic, and talent with engines of all kinds. At a wedding back in the Soo, he met the love of his life (third wife was the charm, as our family says), Roberta Cail.

Jim and Roberta, also known as Bert, were married on April 25, 1987, at Central United Church in the Soo. In Huntsville, they built a beautiful life where friends and family were always present. Jim began his own small engine repair business in 1998 on Ravensglen Crescent, where the driveway was always packed with lawnmowers, snowblowers, tillers, boat engines, and golf carts from local resorts and golf courses. He continued his business until he retired in 2017.

He was a slow-pitch coach, a member of the Huntsville Curling Club, and part of a Senior’s bowling league and a YBC Coach. Jim was also a member of the local Ostomy Support Group chapter and loved helping others feel more comfortable with learning to live life with a “belly bag.”

Following the sudden passing of his wife and caregiver, Roberta in 2023, Jim moved to Fairvern, where he was a beloved resident, greeting everyone with his signature “Hey, kid!” and helping out wherever he could. He served as President of the Family Council and enjoyed watching the boats and pointing out the types of engines on each one from the gazebo.

Jim is survived by his youngest daughter and devoted caregiver, Amanda or “Maddie” Moss-Morin (Peter), as well as Debbie Moss (late Chris), Shelley Raynor (late Doug), and Steven Moss. Predeceased by siblings Agnes Scwantz (Jerry), Chistina Aveline (Joe) and survived by May Barrow (late Ron), Roberta Findlay (late Bob), Bob Moss (Judy), George Moss (Diane), Betty Sim (Jim) and Margaret Moss. He was loved by his local sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Randy Alldred and local nieces and nephews, whom he often babysat as children: Tyler, Tara, Traci, and Tess and his great nieces and nephews. Grandchildren Shanna, Travis, Samantha, Nick, and Justin and great-grandchildren Gabriel, Jayden, and Beau as well as nieces and nephews throughout the Soo and Cambridge.

He was a friend to many in Huntsville, including Vivian, Cliff, and John, who continued to visit while Jim lived at Fairvern, for which his family is so grateful. We have no doubt Jim is out fishing with his predeceased friends, Paul and Richard, and that he is reunited with the other half of his heart and soul, Bert.

We would like to thank our family and friends at Fairvern for the loving care they showed Jim during his time there, as well as others in his circle of care, including Jodi Campbell of Life Light Senior Services, Lisa Wager of Muskoka North Healthcare Supplies, Hear Muskoka, our dear friends at Minds in Motion and the Alzheimer’s Society of Muskoka, Muskoka Family Wellness, Home and Community Care, ParaMed, Closing the Gap, the staff at Huntsville Hospital, The Friends Day Away Program, Janet Ho Art Therapy, Andrea at Seasons Music Therapy, and many more.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30 at Billingsly Funeral Home, from 1–3pm.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Muskoka which provided Jim and our family with so much support through programs and counselling, would be greatly appreciated. Another way to celebrate Jim’s kindness would be to contact Fairvern about volunteering opportunities at 705-789-6011 Extension 4339.