It is with great sadness that we share the news of our father and grandfather, James David Kingston, who passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. At 96 years old, James lived a long and fulfilling life.
Jim was born on September 16, 1929, in New Liskeard, Ontario. He grew up in The Beaches area of Toronto. Jim earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University in 1954. He met his future wife, Betty, while he was recovering at Kingston General Hospital where she worked as a nurse. They married in 1957 after a brief delay due to the loss of James’ father. His work in the pulp and paper industry took them to several locations. While living in Kirkland Lake, they welcomed their son Thomas and later had son James in North Bay, daughter Victoria in Iroquois Falls, and son Bradley in Port Arthur – ultimately settling down to raise their family in Thunder Bay. Jim dedicated himself to both his family and his engineering career. He retired from Avenor (as it was known back then) in 1993. Not one for idle time during retirement, he launched his own consulting engineering firm that provided services for various construction projects across Northern Ontario. Jim was always supportive of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and spent countless hours at rinks and baseball fields coaching and cheering everyone on. He was involved with Westminster United Church as a board member for many years. As a mason for over 46 years, he achieved the prestigious title of 33rd Degree within the Scottish Rite and served as District Head in 2001. During summers, he loved spending time at his trailer at Amberlite campground where he enjoyed fishing and socializing with friends and family.
Jim is survived by his loving children: Thomas Kingston (Heather), James Kingston, Victoria Ariganello (Tony), and Bradley Kingston (Heather); treasured grandchildren Rhyan (Shauna Moen), Rebecca (Chris Romeo), Jonathan Ariganello, Dylan, and Curtis Kingston; sister Donalda Williams; along with sister-in-law Marg Haynes; plus many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Janet Kingston; sister Janet Smith; brother Ian Kingston; sister-in-law Dorothy Kingston; brother-in-law George Williams; niece Maureen Williams; brother-in-law Donald Haynes; sister-in-law Helen Down; brother-in-law Donald Down; as well as nephews Marty and Donald Down.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of 4 South Hogarth Riverview Manor for their kindness and support.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, June 11th at 1:00 p. m., held at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel located at 21 N. Court Street.
If you’d like to honor James’s memory with a donation, please consider giving to a charity of your choice. You can also leave online condolences at www. sargentandson. com.
