Jim passed away at the Kemptville District Hospital on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the age of 76. Predeceased by his beloved wife Sonja, Jim will be sadly missed by his children Erika (Joe) Cuccaro and James Ainslie Bertram, his grandchildren Matteo and Leona and his sister Elaine (Wayne Sutherland). Son of the late Doris and Arthur Bertram, Jim was born in Renfrew, Ontario. He was eldest brother to Elaine, Kim and George. Growing up, Jim was an avid aquarist, keen reader and enjoyed many adventures with King, his Great Dane. In high school, he discovered a passion and talent for football and loved to regale family and friends with stories of the game. Jim was working at Met Life when he first met Sonja and the two fell in love. They were married on August 23, 1969 and enjoyed a deep and loving relationship. Jim was a gifted teacher with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, where he taught languages, led student exchange programs and advocated for his fellow teachers as a union leader. He was deeply committed to enriching his students’ lives—challenging them to think critically and to work hard to realize their potential. In 1983, Jim and Sonja moved to South Gower where they built an oasis in the country. A devoted father, Jim took pride and pleasure in providing for his family. He encouraged his children to think independently and loved good food, great music and the company of dear friends. Jim loved North Grenville and was an active community member. He was honoured to serve as Councillor from 2014-2018. He loved chatting with friends old and new at Bubba & Bugs, Brewed Awakenings, Hardstones, The Brigadoon, the library and all around town. Family and friends will remember Jim as a philosopher, advocate and storyteller. He was a man with deep feelings, a strong moral compass and a boundless passion for learning. For Jim, education was a lifelong journey and he was always looking for new challenges. A curious and discerning reader, Jim published two books of his own, which he dedicated to his adored grandchildren. Through these books and the stories he told, Jim was able to immortalize his much-loved “bulldogs”, Spike and Artie. The family would like to thank Dr. Suzanne Rutherford for her compassionate care, as well as the staff at KDH, Trish Hadden (nurse) and Colleen Buchanan (PSW) for their support.
Friends are invited to remember Jim during visitation at the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Chapel , 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville on THURSDAY, April 14 from 1:00 – 3:00pm and 5:00 – 7:00pm.
The memorial service will be held on SATURDAY, April 16 at 2:00pm.
The family respectfully requests that visitors wear masks during the visitation and memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the House of Lazarus Food Bank would be most appreciated by the family.
