James Manson Madill

It is with sadness that the family of James Manson Madill (Jim) announce his passing at Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, Ontario on March 13, 2019.

Jim was born at Mrs. McVanel's Nursing home in Shelburne, Ontario, on February 20, 1942 to parents Manson Maurice Madill and Ethel Bernice Madill (Rutledge). He was raised on a family farm in Melancthon , Ontario. Here he learned the strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life and developed his passion for animal husbandry and responsible stewardship of agricultural land.

Jim met his wife and best friend Ina Mae Hillis at a Junior Farmers dance in Shelburne when he was 19 years old. They were married two years later on June 29, 1963 - the same month and day as his parents. Jim and Ina started their life together working on a dairy farm in Shelburne milking a large herd morning and night. While continuing to farm, Jim began his career in 1964 with United Cooperatives of Ontario (UCO) as a fuel truck driver in the Shelburne area. Through the years Jim continued to advance in his career with UCO specializing in feed, fertilizer and crop management in Shelburne, Hanover and Orangeville districts. In 1984 Jim was hired as CEO of Simcoe District Coop in Barrie and the family moved to Stroud Ont. While in the role he grew the organization both in number of store fronts and profitably with his vision, determination, integrity and dedication to farmers. Upon retirement in 2002 Jim and Ina continued to farm in Stroud. At that time they also decided to follow in the footsteps of two of Jim's uncles, Bill and Bert Madill, and pursue Jim's passion for training, breeding, and racing Standardbred Horses. Together they made many trips to the Winner's Circle most notably with their beloved Andreois Kardia. Jim joined the team of Georgian Downs Raceway as Paddock Judge in 2003 and was deeply respected by the Standardbred Horse community.

Jim is survived by his beautiful wife Ina, and children Nancy (Pat Perry), Rob ( Adria), Tammy and James (Leigh). He is also survived by grandchildren Ryan Perry, Rhiannon, Kieran, Aidan, Ashton and Amelia Madill, Meghan Heshka and brand new baby Paige Madill. Jim leaves behind sister Jeanette (Bob Wakem), and sisters and brothers in law Lois and Dean Strutt, Doreen McKitrick, Gary and Darlene Hillis and Cindy Storey as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his best friend, horse partner and 'honorary' little brother Clare Hayes. Jim is predeceased by his parents and his ever cherished granddaughter Raena Perry.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Das - Neurosurgeon and the 8th Floor Neuro Team at St Michaels Hospital, Dr. Nay and Dr. Falwell from the Oncology Team at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, to our special nurse from Saint Elizabeth Eric Bancolita, Rev Patricia James and to everyone at Matthews House and for your special care and compassion for Jim and the entire family during Jim's short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at St James United Church, 2230 Victoria Street Innisfil (Stroud) Ontario on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 2pm. Come and go reception to follow at Liberty North Banquet Hall, 100 Caplan Avenue, Barrie, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Should you wish to remember Jim's life with a donation, his family suggests St James United Church, Innisfil or Matthews House Hospice, Alliston. Private messages of condolences can be sent to immadill@rogers.com