James Vasey

July 17, 1938 - December 13, 2020

James Thomas Vasey died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia, on December 13, 2020 at the age of 82. He will be missed by Gloria, his wife of almost 57 years. Jim was the proud father of James (Laurie), Christopher (Jodi), Kevin, Joel (Heather), and loving Grandpa to Melissa (Aaron), Mary (Ricky), Madison, Aidan, Matthew, Adam and his great-granddaughters, Juliet and Eleanor. Predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Vera Vasey, sister, Maureen, and brother, George (Cathy), Jim will be missed by sister, Ann (Doug) Tanner, brother, Tony (Lorna) Vasey and many nieces and nephews. After teaching for 3 years in Kitchener- Waterloo, Jim was a principal for 25 years with the Lambton County Separate School Board. He was recognized locally and on a provincial level for caring leadership and his innovative work with exceptional children. He was active in many organizations, served as President of the Sarnia Mentally Retarded Association, and was the founder and first President of the Sarnia-Lambton branch of the Ontario Autism Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served for six years as Minister of Trillium Region Secular Franciscan Order. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philip's Church in Petrolia on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. The Mass will also be streamed at Facebook.com/NeedhamJay Interment will be in Hillsdale Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice (www.stjosephshospice.ca), Petrolia Food Bank, or St. Francis Advocates (www.mysfa.org).