It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jim, a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, who leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and strength, on the morning of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the age of 75.
Loving husband and best friend of Nancy (Valente) and the late Marion (Smith). Proud father of Jamie (Rhonda) and Aaron, and caring Papa of Sabrina and Colton. He will be fondly remembered by Nancy’s children Joe (Carmen) and Rose (Bruno). Brandon, Ryan, and Hanna will be forever grateful for the kindness and love their “Uncle Jim” showed them. Son of the late Bruno Fata and the late Adelina (lanni-Lucio). Brother of Silvana Palumbo (Luigi), Rico (Karen), Dan (Claudette)(late Gina). Brother-in-law of the late Rose Valente (Sam), Emily Pagliaro (Marcello), Frank Gencarelli (Mirella), John Gencarelli (Anne), Ida Albanese (Vince), Gord Smith (late Riitta), Penny DeSousa (late Luis), the late Cathy Pinch, and Len Pinder (Vicky). He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Jim emigrated to Canada from Aiello Calabro, Italy with his family in 1954 at the age of six and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. As a young man, he trained at Diodatis gym and excelled at both bodybuilding and powerlifting, once winning the title of Mr. Northern Ontario. He carried this strength, stamina, and quiet determination with him throughout his life. Professionally, Jim had a thirty-five-year career at the Tube Mill-Algoma Steel retiring as a shipper.
Jim will always be remembered as someone who gave freely of his time and considerable expertise to anyone who needed assistance. Whether he was helping a family member, a friend, or a neighbour who needed something to be built or repaired, he did so happily. He would routinely check in on elderly friends and neighbours, and he would get up early during a snowstorm to clear as many driveways as he could on his street. Jim was an inspiration to all who knew him – he truly embodied the ideals of kindness and giving within his community. He was a gift.
As an avid outdoorsman, Jim had a large circle of friends who shared his enthusiasm for all that Northern Ontario had to offer. He had a lifelong passion for fishing, moose and deer hunting, and his first camp was called the 3J’s at Mile 67. He could always be counted on to prepare equipment, trailers, cooking and sleeping quarters, supplies, camps, etc., as well as managing logistics to ensure that his friends had the best possible experience, which made him truly happy. He cherished the camaraderie, and his friends would tell you that he enriched their lives.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 12:00 noon with Father Jeff Shannon officiating. Memorial donations to Tracy’s Dream (https://www.tracysdream.ca) or the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund would be greatly appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com
In closing, a note from his 'hunting gang’…
"Jimmy's passing has left a huge hole in our lives. We are honoured and blessed to have known him and shared some amazing life experiences. Jim was always our main anchor and the go to guy when anything was needed or had to be repaired. Jim's answer to all of us would be to carry on and stay strong my friends. Rest in peace, our dear friend Jim.”