Jim Stapleton

April 24, 1947 - May 3, 2018

Surrounded by his loving wife, family and friends on May 3, 2018 at Bluewater Health, Sarnia, James Francis Stapleton passed away at the age of 71. Survived by his soul mate, and beloved wife of 21 years, Mary-Ellen. Dearly loved and loving father to Rob (Christa) Bourne and their children, Olivia and Natalee, and Lonnie (Janice) Bourne and their children, Kaila and Ryan. Brother to John Stapleton and loved brother-in-law to the late June Stapleton. Devoted and loved uncle to Jan Armstrong and her children, Justin (Samantha), Jesse, and Julie, Jennifer Stapleton, and Jeffrey Stapleton (Bea) and their children Ellie, Abby and Alice. Jim married his soul mate, Mary-Ellen, in 1997 and his immediate family tripled in size. Jim's legacy is best illustrated by his involvement: He was the #1 Hard Oiler, the #1 ticket seller, and the #1 devoted member of his much loved Petrolia community. He was Past President of the Knights of Columbus, a devoted Lions member, a member of the Lambton County Accessibility Committee, founding member of S.H.A.R.E., a Petrolia Kinsmen, a volunteer for the CWL, and the Petrolia Food Bank. He was an accomplished WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE and most of all, a BIG TIME, DIEHARD, TIGER's FAN! Finally - Jim's ACTUAL job was a dispatcher for the Town of Petrolia Police Department for 23 1/2 years. He was the first one hired and he was the last one to leave - devoted, to say the least. Jim's sense of humour was infectious - he found humour in the most unlikely situations - like his abandoned wheelchair on the Winnipeg Airport tarmac. When it came to behaviour, Jim's response was always, "You know...good behaviour or bad behaviour - it's all behaviour". And Jim 'behaved' all over the place - from Alaska, to New Orleans, to Vegas and Seattle, he loved to travel, and he documented his adventures with many photos and funny stories. Most of all, Jim loved his family and his community, and although his passing will cast a shadow on many hearts, we will never forget his smile, his laugh and his light. Jim's family would like to thank Dr. Daniel, the Central Lambton Family Health Team, and all the doctors and nurses, especially Julie and Megan, at Bluewater Health ICU, Sarnia. Thank you is also extended to Jim's 'family' at Lambton Meadowview, who made his short stay very comfortable, and all his friends for their devotion and support. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Philip's Parish, 415 King St. Petrolia. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery. In the spirit of community, memorial donations to the Petrolia Food Bank, or the C.E.E. Hospital Foundation (www.ceehf.ca) would be greatly appreciated. Please share your memories of Jim at www.needhamjay.com ***And if you're so inclined, wear Navy Blue and Orange or anything Detroit Tigers to the service***