James (Jim) Smith

James (Jim) Raymond Smith of Brockton, passed away at South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Walkerton, on February 11, 2024.  Jim was born in Hamilton on March 31, 1942, to Raymond and Ruth Smith.  He attended Westdale High School in Hamilton and went on to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in Trenton where he served on the ground crew. While he was part of the Air Force, he met and married Carol Haldane and went on to have two children, Dan (Mo) and Laura (Dale). Sadly, after a battle with cancer, Carol predeceased him in 1996. Jim is survived by his only sibling Gary Smith of Dundas.  For most of his life he worked at Donn Manufacturing in Oakville. The last three years of his working life, Jim was owner and operator of the Chepstow Variety Store.  In retirement, Jim met Susan Helwig (nee Bowring) and they married in 1998. Both went on to run the Helwig family farm in Brant Township outside of Cargill. Jim loved Bluegrass music and was a talented acoustic guitar player and singer. He often performed in local concerts. Jim also enjoyed woodworking and made numerous beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. He was an avid Nascar racing fan and a warplane enthusiast enjoying many days at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton.  At Jim’s request no service will be held.  A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, www.warplane.com or the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, www.foodgrainsbank.ca.  The family would like to send a special thank you to the Community Care Health Team and the staff at Walkerton Hospital for their care and compassion.  Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, www.greybrucecremation.com.