February 20, 1940 – August 30, 2026
James Daniel Chepil, a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the age of 86. He was surrounded by some of the people he cared for most. A humble man with strong faith, Jim held on as long as he could just to ensure his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were safe and looking out for one another. Family meant everything to Jim; his love was strong and unconditional-a gift he’s left for all his loved ones. He never turned his back on anyone: day or night he was always ready to lend a hand with his time, wisdom, a ride home, a listening ear or an endless supply of brewed coffee or ever-present lukewarm Diet Coke.
Jim was born in the family barn in Stanley, Ontario during an extremely cold winter when travel wasn’t feasible. By the time his parents harnessed up the Clydesdale and made it into town to register his birth, they had to adjust the date to avoid a penalty. This created a lifelong guessing game with family-whether he’d celebrate his true birthday or the official one-and they played along every year by wishing him happy birthday on both days. He later moved into town for school and wanted everyone to know that “education is the only thing that can never be taken away from you.” Jim walked barefoot uphill to school both ways.
He graduated from Selkirk Collegiate Vocational Institute where he excelled as a football player and met the love of his life. His enthusiasm for sports remained throughout his life: he played hockey and softball until he was in his 50s; bowled competitively at regional championships; and spent nearly every winter weekend curling at Fort William Curling Club well into his 70s where he achieved an impressive eight ender. An avid Blue Jays fan, he’d share that passion with anyone nearby whenever there was a game on. His brother Art was not only family but also his best friend throughout life. Together they coached Bantam B and Midget A Canadians hockey teams during the ’60s through ’80s-ensuring every child who wanted to play had equipment and rides available-with some even making it to the NHL. In retirement their bond continued through daily phone calls and nightly strolls around town while laughing about life’s little things or solving world issues over coffee at Robin’s Donuts while boasting about their grandkids.
After marrying Sharon they bought a small house-a former CN railcar on Forest Street next to the Mac Intyre River-and expanded it together each evening alongside his dad and brothers. With Derrick and Maureen arriving soon after their move to Marks Street came next steps in life’s journey where Jim worked for the Ministry of Transportation first as a licensing clerk before becoming highway enforcement officer until retiring when paperwork shifted towards email communication-a change he wasn’t keen on embracing! Jim took pride in working with MTO where he formed many lasting friendships including Ron’s and Don’s.
In 1975 Sharon and Jim purchased their camp at Wild Goose where summers were spent joyfully over more than three decades restoring things by hand-to bring them back into shape-a real pioneer who believed in recycling everything possible.
The secret behind aging gracefully? His love for Ukrainian comfort foods: sandwiches piled high with raw onions or kielbasa; perogies filled with sauerkraut or potatoes; blueberries picked fresh-all favorites that only mom could make right-head cheese paired with sour cream slathered generously over everything; buttermilk enjoyed daily along with pickles galore!
After losing Sharon-the love of his life-for more than six decades in 2022; Jim teamed up with Kiel declaring themselves as Two Dusty Cowboys navigating through grief together sharing everyday moments until Kiel decided staying close by would keep him home safe until ready himself-to step forward independently.
Jim has been predeceased by granddaughter Marin Rumbelow; parents Mary (Shewchuk) & Dan (Dmetro); mother-in-law Svea & father-in-law George Prout; siblings along various relatives like Walter (Wladimir) & wife Rose; Bill (William) & wife Fran (Francis); Art (Henry) & wife Doris among others including niece Jeanna Chepil-Coyle plus Jo Ann Chabot too! Over an impressive century spanned between Walter’s birth year of ’23 till Jim’s passing in ’26.
Survived are son Derrick along daughter Maureen along grandson Kiel plus granddaughters Chandra & Svea Rene including great-grandkids Phoenix Karmyn Haleigh Graeson Kynzley Arlowe too! Also nieces nephews Cheryl Cathy Danny Janice David Miki Kal Jackie Arthur Jr Sandy Darlene Betty John Bob Pam Nick Jamie included here too alongside Owen Gary Prout plus Gail Gordon Jensen!
A celebration honoring this charming gentleman known widely amongst friends-recognized everywhere sporting fantastic hair-is being planned soon! Instead of flowers please consider donating toward Community Living Thunder Bay: www. cltb. ca/donate
The arrangements have been entrusted locally within WESTFORT CHAPEL found at420 West Gore Street adjacent James street signs.
Please sign online condolences located over at everestofthunderbay. com
