James David Crawford Phair

James David Crawford Phair
February 26, 1941 – December 31, 2020

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of James David Crawford Phair II at the age of 79, on Thursday, December 31st, 2020.  At the time of his passing, Jimmy was surrounded by the love of his daughters Sheri, Kristy and Tammy.  Although it was hoped by many doctors that with more treatment Jimmy would live another 2 years, our Lord and Savior decided to call him home where he is no doubt reunited with the love of his life of more than 60 years, Jackie Phair who passed away  11 months ago.

Jimmy was a wonderful man, whose great heart was larger than life.  He would stop to help anyone without ever wanting anything in return.  He was a very driven man with a wicked sense of humour, anyone who knew our Dad will tell you his favourite thing was to have a tune and several beverages with the guys.  He led a very colourful life and we will miss him very much.  Although, as a man who prided himself on faith, it was in the latter part of his life that he began to explore and deepen this faith with our Father and did so together with his daughters Sheri and Tammy.

Jimmy began his life in Froomfield Ontario where at the age of 5 he was given a guitar made from a cigar box.  That is all it took to get him started on his music career and what it a career it was.  Jimmy shared the stage with many big stars, both as an opening act and as co-stars.  In 1979 Jimmy was given his own television show, aptly called, The Jimmy Phair show which ran for 9 years.  As if touring throughout North America, cutting albums and hosting his television show was not enough, Jimmy managed to continue this other career as a very proud member of Ironworkers Local 700.  Jimmy was a hard-working man who lived and breathed organized labour and rallied and fought locally, provincially and federally for the rights of every man and woman to belong to a union if they so chose. 

Because of his dedication to his fellow Brothers and Sisters, Jimmy rose through the ranks of Local 700 as an Assistant Business Agent, President of the Ontario District Council, then General Organizer with the International and finally Executive Director of Canadian Affairs and Second General Vice-President. Dad also sat on the Board of Governors for Lambton College as well as siting on and becoming Vice-Chairman for the Blue Water Bridge Authority.

At the heart of this incredible man was his family, starting with the woman he spent 63 years with, Jackie Phair.  They were a true love story.  When Jackie passed in January, each day without her was a constant struggle for him.  There was no better Dad on his earth than Jimmy.  His three daughters absolutely considered him the center of their universe.  He was everything to them.  As believers in Christ, we take comfort in Revelations 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”

Sheri, Kristy and Tammy would like to give special thanks to our Lord and Savior for giving us such a wonderful Dad.  One who we could easily look up to and respect, who taught us honesty, hard-work and to love one another.  We would also like to thank Dr. Kim in Palliative for your amazing care of our Dad; Dr. Ahmed at the Cancer Clinic in London and Dr. Yoshida at the Cancer Clinic in Sarnia. We’d also like to thank Rev. Adam Kilner who came to the hospital to visit Dad and to anoint him with holy oil.  The family is also extremely appreciative for Pastor Tim who came to Dads apartment to comfort the family and lead us in prayer.

Finally, we need to say a very special thank you to Dad’s friend and our family physician Dr. Wm. O’Mahony.  You got Dad through some of the hardest days of his life and we will always be eternally grateful to you and to your amazing staff, Carolyn, Kris, Chelsey & Patty.

Jimmy is survived by this daughters Sheri (Dan), Kristy, Tammy (John), his sister Jeanne (Tom), his granddaughters Katey (Rocky), Sarah and his grandson Christopher (Allison).  Jimmy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is predeceased by his wife Jackie, his mother Edith, his father James and his grandson Michael James and brother John.

A virtual service will be held on Thursday January 7, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Go to www.bluewaterbaptist.ca for the link.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when Covid restrictions allow for it.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to either the Canadian Canadian Society or to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9). Memories and messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca