It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father and papa James David Kingston on Thursday, May 21, 2026. At 96 years young James had a long and full life.
Jim was born September 16, 1929 in New Liskeard, Ontario. He grew up in The Beaches neighbourhood in Toronto. Jim graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1954. He met his future wife, Betty, while he was a patient at Kingston General Hospital, where she was a nurse. They would marry in 1957 after a brief postponement due to the death of James’ father. His career in the pulp and paper industry lead to several moves. They welcomed their son Thomas while living in Kirkland Lake and added to their family with the birth of son James in North Bay, daughter Victoria in Iroquois Falls, and son Bradley in Port Arthur – settling to raise their family in Thunder Bay. Jim devoted himself to his family and to his engineering career. He retired from Avenor (as it was then known) in 1993. Not one to sit still in retirement, he started his own consulting engineering company and provided engineering services for many construction projects throughout Northern Ontario. Jim was supportive of the activities and endeavours that his children and grandchildren pursued. He spent many hours at the rink and the baseball diamond, coaching and cheering us all on. Jim was active in Westminster United Church, and was a board member for many years. He was a mason for over 46 years, attaining the honour of 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite, and serving as District Head in 2001. In the summers he enjoyed time spent at his trailer at Amberlite campground, fishing and socializing with friends and family.
Jim is survived by his beloved children, Thomas Kingston (Heather), James Kingston, Victoria Ariganello (Tony), and Bradley Kingston (Heather); cherished grandchildren Rhyan (Shauna Moen), Rebecca (Chris Romeo) and Jonathan Ariganello, Dylan and Curtis Kingston; sister Donalda Williams; also survived by sister-in-law Marg Haynes, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Janet Kingston; sister Janet Smith, brother Ian Kingston and sister-in-law Dorothy Kingston, brother-in-law George Williams, niece Maureen Williams; brother-in-law Donald Haynes; sister-in-law Helen Down and brother-in-law Donald Down; nephews Marty and Donald Down.
The family wish to extend their gratitude to the staff of 4 South Hogarth Riverview Manor for their care, compassion and support.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.
As expressions of sympathy, donations in memory of James may be made to a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
