Obituary for James Medai
MEDAI, James “Jim” Leo (March 22, 1937 – April 29, 2023)
It is with great sadness that we the family wish to announce the peaceful passing of our much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many, James “Jim” Leo Medai, on April 29, 2023, at his late RR2 Tillsonburg residence, surrounded by loving family members, at the age of 86. Jim graduated from Ridgetown College in 1957. Jim then married the love of his life of 66 years, Patricia (nee Jenson) Medai, and together they raised their family on his family’s farm where he was born and where he completed his circle of life with his wife and children by his side. Jim could be described as a hardworking man, starting out as a dairy farmer, then he moved on to tobacco farming. Following two heart attacks, Jim moved on to drive truck for Cornell Welding & Fabricating Ltd. In Woodstock, where he remained a dedicated employee from age 46 until his retirement at the age of 66, however he continued to go back and work for them a day or 2 a week until the age of 75. Retirement did not stop him though. He continued to help family and friends with renovations, decks, sheds, lawn care and anything else that needed fixing. However, Jim’s identity always endured as a farmer, outdoorsman and as a loving husband, father, and family man. His true passions during his life were hunting, fishing, boating and golfing.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his children and their partners: late Cynthia (survived by her husband Charlie Johnson, of Frederickton, N.B.; Liz (Al Clark), of Straffordville, Christine (Ronald Nutbrown) of Burford; Stephanie (Gregory Lounsbury), of Tillsonburg; James ‘Jim’ (Jackie) Medai, of Tillsonburg. Proud grandfather to 15 and loving great-grandfather of 16: AnnMarie McKenzie (Clay Carroll) (child Maya Carroll-Salazar), Nathen Crooker; Derek (Tanya) Clark (their sons Brandon, Owen), Jennifer (Jeremy Prouse) (children Katelyn, Delia, Xander); Kate (Eric Simpson) (their children James, Madison), Natashia Davis (children Quinn, Sloane); Amanda Plunkett (Mike Hollingshead) (their children Austin, Emma, Natylee), Claire Plunkett (fiancé Cody Ball) (their daughter Raelynn), Morgan (Tyler Saltzberry) (their children Ryder, Sadie), Nicole Lounsbury (fiancé Graham Robilliard); Chris Suich, Miranda Medai (late Andrew Heubach), (their children Cohen, Paige, Lucas, Myles, Cole), Stephen Medai (fiancé ‘Megs’ MacDuff), (their daughter Nikkita). Also survived by his sister Lillian Biro, of Tillsonburg, as well as by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his special great-granddaughter in Heaven (Brynlee Louise Ball), by three siblings: Dorothy (late John Bossence); Helen (late Larry Peterson); Virginia (late Joseph Danko), as well as by parents Stephen Medai and Grace (Wilkins) Medai.
Friends, neighbours, and relatives are invited to attend a public visitation held on Thursday, May 4th, 2023, between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5th, at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 51 Venison St., Tillsonburg, by Rev. Father Seejo John. Interment follows in the New Road Cemetery. Everyone who knew Jim is invited to share favourite memories, photos, personal condolences, send flowers or contribute memorial donations to the “Woodstock General Hospital” or to the “CNS Foundation” (by cheque, to benefit Care Partners) or to any charity of your choice via Jim’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes (519)842-4238, entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.
It is with great sadness that we the family wish to announce the peaceful passing of our much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many, James “Jim” Leo Medai, on April 29, 2023, at his late RR2 Tillsonburg residence, surrounded by loving family members, at the age of 86. Jim graduated from Ridgetown College in 1957. Jim then married the love of his life of 66 years, Patricia (nee Jenson) Medai, and together they raised their family on his family’s farm where he was born and where he completed his circle of life with his wife and children by his side. Jim could be described as a hardworking man, starting out as a dairy farmer, then he moved on to tobacco farming. Following two heart attacks, Jim moved on to drive truck for Cornell Welding & Fabricating Ltd. In Woodstock, where he remained a dedicated employee from age 46 until his retirement at the age of 66, however he continued to go back and work for them a day or 2 a week until the age of 75. Retirement did not stop him though. He continued to help family and friends with renovations, decks, sheds, lawn care and anything else that needed fixing. However, Jim’s identity always endured as a farmer, outdoorsman and as a loving husband, father, and family man. His true passions during his life were hunting, fishing, boating and golfing.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his children and their partners: late Cynthia (survived by her husband Charlie Johnson, of Frederickton, N.B.; Liz (Al Clark), of Straffordville, Christine (Ronald Nutbrown) of Burford; Stephanie (Gregory Lounsbury), of Tillsonburg; James ‘Jim’ (Jackie) Medai, of Tillsonburg. Proud grandfather to 15 and loving great-grandfather of 16: AnnMarie McKenzie (Clay Carroll) (child Maya Carroll-Salazar), Nathen Crooker; Derek (Tanya) Clark (their sons Brandon, Owen), Jennifer (Jeremy Prouse) (children Katelyn, Delia, Xander); Kate (Eric Simpson) (their children James, Madison), Natashia Davis (children Quinn, Sloane); Amanda Plunkett (Mike Hollingshead) (their children Austin, Emma, Natylee), Claire Plunkett (fiancé Cody Ball) (their daughter Raelynn), Morgan (Tyler Saltzberry) (their children Ryder, Sadie), Nicole Lounsbury (fiancé Graham Robilliard); Chris Suich, Miranda Medai (late Andrew Heubach), (their children Cohen, Paige, Lucas, Myles, Cole), Stephen Medai (fiancé ‘Megs’ MacDuff), (their daughter Nikkita). Also survived by his sister Lillian Biro, of Tillsonburg, as well as by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his special great-granddaughter in Heaven (Brynlee Louise Ball), by three siblings: Dorothy (late John Bossence); Helen (late Larry Peterson); Virginia (late Joseph Danko), as well as by parents Stephen Medai and Grace (Wilkins) Medai.
Friends, neighbours, and relatives are invited to attend a public visitation held on Thursday, May 4th, 2023, between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5th, at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 51 Venison St., Tillsonburg, by Rev. Father Seejo John. Interment follows in the New Road Cemetery. Everyone who knew Jim is invited to share favourite memories, photos, personal condolences, send flowers or contribute memorial donations to the “Woodstock General Hospital” or to the “CNS Foundation” (by cheque, to benefit Care Partners) or to any charity of your choice via Jim’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes (519)842-4238, entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.