Obituary for James Francis "Jim" Ernst
ERNST, James Francis “Jim”
Entered into rest at Hospice Prince Edward, Picton, on Monday, March 6, 2023, James Francis Ernst passed away at the age of 91. Beloved husband of 65 years to Vera (nee Reddon). Proud father of Tim (Brenda) of Prince Edward County, and Martha (Duncan) Craig of Prince Edward County. Beloved grandfather to Shannon (Donny) Fraser and great grandson Owen of Ottawa.
Jim was born and raised in Walkerton, Ontario. He played baseball, softball and hockey for the town teams as a boy and young man. After working as a labourer in Walkerton, Jim moved to Toronto. He worked for Ontario Hydro and Stelco Swansea Works where he retired as a General Foreman after a 31 year career. His time working at Stelco provided Jim with many happy memories which he often shared with his family. He enjoyed designing and building gadgets/tools that he or Vera needed around the house. There was never a need for a tradesman of any kind in the household as he did it all – and enjoyed every moment he was kept busy in his basement workshop or the garage. He built furniture pieces for his daughter and designed the house she and her husband now live in. For many years he was an Assistant Coach for his son’s hockey teams. Jim was an usher at Transfiguration of our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Toronto for over 50 years. He was known by his neighbours in Toronto because of his friendly manner and the helping hand he provided whenever one was needed. He derived pleasure in keeping his lawn and gardens immaculate. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, kind and gentle soul and his love for his family.
Predeceased by parents Mary (formerly Hehn, nee Giesler) and Albert Ernst, brother Ronald and sister Marilyn Morel. Vera and family are grateful for the care and compassion provided by the health care providers both in Toronto and Picton over these last couple of years as Jim battled cancer.
Mr. Ernst rested at Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street, (613-476-2450). Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Picton on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11 am with visitation for one hour prior to the Mass. Cremation with Inurnment and Rite of Committal with Prayers at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Woodbridge at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Toronto Central Council (directed to residential housing for adults with developmental disabilities), or Hospice Prince Edward. Online condolences and to share memories of Jim, please visit: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com
Entered into rest at Hospice Prince Edward, Picton, on Monday, March 6, 2023, James Francis Ernst passed away at the age of 91. Beloved husband of 65 years to Vera (nee Reddon). Proud father of Tim (Brenda) of Prince Edward County, and Martha (Duncan) Craig of Prince Edward County. Beloved grandfather to Shannon (Donny) Fraser and great grandson Owen of Ottawa.
Jim was born and raised in Walkerton, Ontario. He played baseball, softball and hockey for the town teams as a boy and young man. After working as a labourer in Walkerton, Jim moved to Toronto. He worked for Ontario Hydro and Stelco Swansea Works where he retired as a General Foreman after a 31 year career. His time working at Stelco provided Jim with many happy memories which he often shared with his family. He enjoyed designing and building gadgets/tools that he or Vera needed around the house. There was never a need for a tradesman of any kind in the household as he did it all – and enjoyed every moment he was kept busy in his basement workshop or the garage. He built furniture pieces for his daughter and designed the house she and her husband now live in. For many years he was an Assistant Coach for his son’s hockey teams. Jim was an usher at Transfiguration of our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Toronto for over 50 years. He was known by his neighbours in Toronto because of his friendly manner and the helping hand he provided whenever one was needed. He derived pleasure in keeping his lawn and gardens immaculate. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, kind and gentle soul and his love for his family.
Predeceased by parents Mary (formerly Hehn, nee Giesler) and Albert Ernst, brother Ronald and sister Marilyn Morel. Vera and family are grateful for the care and compassion provided by the health care providers both in Toronto and Picton over these last couple of years as Jim battled cancer.
Mr. Ernst rested at Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street, (613-476-2450). Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Picton on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11 am with visitation for one hour prior to the Mass. Cremation with Inurnment and Rite of Committal with Prayers at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Woodbridge at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Toronto Central Council (directed to residential housing for adults with developmental disabilities), or Hospice Prince Edward. Online condolences and to share memories of Jim, please visit: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com