709 466-3468
299 Memorial Drive

James Curtis April 17, 1937 - June 21, 2023

With heavy hearts the family of James (“Jim”) Curtis of Clarenville, announce his passing after a two year battle with dementia. Jim passed peacefully away on June 21, 2023 at Chancellor Park in St. John’s at the age of 86, with his adoring wife and sons by his side.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry (“Harry”) and Olive (Wells) Curtis, infant sister Rachel, sister Lenora Batstone and her husband Ray, parents-in-law Samuel and Susannah Freake, Freake sisters-in-law and their husbands Maisie & Ian Mortimer, Valda & Edward Combden, Betty & Ralph Young.

Left with a lifetime of wonderful memories are his cherished wife Phyllis, sons Tony (Sylvia) and Larry (Kim), grandchildren Kimberley Drover (Matt) and Dylan Curtis (Erica), treasured great-granddaughter Ada Drover, Freake sisters-in-law Donna Brown (Ron) and Mary.

Jim was born and raised in Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island where he married his high school sweetheart and their relationship spanned 70 years. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2022. Jim moved his family to Clarenville, which was home since 1960.

His commitment to family was paramount and his every decision considered them. Jim and Phyllis were always there to support their children and grandchildren through their childhood years and beyond and were equally willing lend a hand to extended family members.

His favourite hobbies included bowling, playing cards, camping and trout fishing (he spent many hours in his boat, trolling at one of his favourite ponds). He was a life-long “Habs” fan since the era of “The Rocket”. During his younger years Jim was an executive member of the Clarenville Athletic Association, manager of the Clarenville Stadium and active supporter of the Clarenville Caribous.

Jim enjoyed a successful career, much of which was in leadership roles, where his intelligence,  pragmatism and fairness were key attributes. Many from his work life have commented on the high level of respect they had for him.

His friends were many, whether fishing buddies, card club members or family relatives, who were among his dearest.

Jim and Phyllis were an inspiration to many as their love for each was evident to all those whose lives they touched. He poignantly serenaded Phyllis, with songs from memory, almost to his final days. She and the whole family will miss him beyond measure.

A private funeral service will be held and an announcement will be made in the future regarding a Celebration of Life for extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family would appreciate memorial donations in his honour to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador or the Janeway Children’s Hospital.

A private funeral service will be held and an announcement will be made in the future regarding a Celebration of Life for extended family and friends.

Condolences(18)

  1. REPLY
    Wilbur&Louise Janes says

    Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. They were our neighbors for the 35 years we been here and wouldn’t want anyone different living next to us. Condolences to the Curtis family.

  2. REPLY
    mary lynn francis says

    Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing from our team at provincial home care

  3. REPLY
    Grace & Harold Noel says

    Phyllis & Family ~ Please accept our sincerest condolences; cherish the wonderful memories! Hugs ~ Grace & Harold Noel 🌹

  4. REPLY
    Brenda and Ed Walsh says

    Sincere condolences to Tony and family. May his memory be a blessing.

  5. REPLY
    C Park says

    My condolences to Phyllis and the whole Curtis family. I worked as a HSW with Jim and Phyllis. Sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace

  6. REPLY
    Harold & Thelma Kelly says

    Tony, Sylvia and all your family members, so sorry to hear of your dads passing! Know that we are thinking of you all during this most difficult time! Cherish the many beautiful memories you have had together!

  7. REPLY
    Thelma (Drodge) Nugent says

    Jim was a wonderful person. He and Phyllis were friends of Mom and Dad. Sincere condolences to the family.

  8. REPLY
    Rosalind Sacuta says

    Tony and Sylvia, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Tony, what a lovely tribute to your dad; he must have been a wonderful man. I loved the part about him serenading your mom.❤️

  9. REPLY
    Alex and Tracey says

    Condolences Larry and family.

  10. REPLY
    Geoff says

    So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a very good friend to my mom and dad and they always made time for one another. It’s hard to believe we’ve lost another good one. But I’m sure he and Morley he will be having a good round of 120s at whatever campsite they are at!

  11. REPLY
    Robert, Hilda, and Darlene Balom says

    To the Curtis Family,
    We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

    Robert, Hilda, and Darlene Balsom

  12. REPLY
    Robert, Hilda, and says

    To the Curtis Family,
    We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

    Robert, Hilda, and Darlene Balsom

  13. REPLY
    Darlene Balsom says

    To the Curtis Family,
    We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

    Robert, Hilda, and Darlene Balsom

  14. REPLY
    Boyd & Marilyn Jones says

    So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Boyd and I had many conversations with him and Phyllis over the years. A very lovely couple. Deepest Sympathy to Larry , Tony and all their family. Hold onto your happy memories.

  15. REPLY
    Walter & June Butler says

    Phyllis and Family,
    Sorry to hear of Jim’s death and sending our sympathy to you all at this time. May he rest in peace and praying that you will be sustained by precious memories.

  16. REPLY
    Sheila Greening ( Toope ) says

    To the Curtis Family,
    So sorry to hear of Mr. Curtis passing. He was such a good man and a good friend to my parents and grandparents. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  17. REPLY
    P. Rowe / M. Smith says

    Our condolences Tony and Sylvia with the passing of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with all.

    Peter and Michelle

  18. REPLY
    Ralph&Janet Rowe says

    To the Curtis Family, we are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our prayers are with all of you during this time.

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