Jim (Jacobus) van der Voort, born April 18, 1939, passed away peacefully September 15, 2021 at Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Orillia.
Born in Berkel en Rodenrys Holland, son of Jacob and Grietje van der Voort and brother to Cathy, Chris, Clara, Harry and Jackie (predeceased).
Even as a young boy he was full of adventure and that spirit never left him - he had only 5 original fingers left to prove it!
The family immigrated to Canada in the winter of 1950 and ended up in Georgetown, Ontario. In 1953 his mom and brother tragically drowned in the North Sea Flood during a visit to the Netherlands, forever leaving a hole in their hearts. But as a resilient and hardworking dutchman, he became a success in the OPP, retiring as Staff Sergeant in Sebringville.
In 1957, Jim saw a lovely woman at church one evening and after 3 years of dating, Hilda Braam became his wife. They had 3 children together, Margaret Rose, James Douglas and Angela June. They lived in Orillia until 1974, moving to Stratford upon Jim’s transfer to Sebringville. Upon retirement in 1992, Jim and Hilda returned to the Orillia area.
During retirement, Jim remained active through outdoor activities as well as volunteer service in his church and neighbourhood. He was always quick to help and ready to give a listening ear.
In 1996, Hilda passed away after being ill for quite some time. Jim then married a vibrant, youthful woman, Jane Margaret Regelink, and adopted Jane’s daughter Hayley Christine.
Their years were spent doing all the things Jim loved-snowshoeing, swimming, skiing, kayaking, reading, and travelling.
Sadly, Jim’s body began deteriorating as a result of multiple afflictions his last several years. Despite the increasing discomfort and decline in his body, his positive attitude was astonishing and a true example to those around him.
2 Tim 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day. " Jim fought the good fight and he will be missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, fellow church members, neighbours and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 21st at 1:00-3:00 and 6:00-8:00 at Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Sharing Place at their website, www.sharingplaceorillia.org Any stories and memories of Jim will be appreciated and welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions a private family service will be held at The First Christian Reformed Church in Orillia on October 15th at 1:00. The service will be live-streamed and available through the church and Youtube pages;
for Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/First-Christian-Reformed-Church-Orillia-1952490765010268
for Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-Z8o6UDDO_UY2YHJDEO9Q