Jim Tye

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Leroy Tye at the age of 83.  Nothing was more important to Jim than his family, which was his greatest accomplishment in life.  He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou Tye (nee Busteed) or “mother” as he used to call her, who will miss him very dearly.  Married on January 31, 1959, they spent a wonderful 63 years together and raised four amazing children.  He was a proud dad and “old boy” to his sons Kevin, Dave, Tom (Crystal), and his late daughter Deb Tye who he was predeceased by in 2020.  He was also predeceased by his infant daughter in 1960.

Jim cherished his time as a grandfather above all else.  He was a very proud “gramps” to his grandchildren Karlee and Joel, and “pa” to his great-grandson Lincoln.  Jim was also predeceased by his infant great-grandson Daeton Mantle in 2006.  As soon as he became a grandfather, Jim slowed down in life and dedicated his time to teaching his grandchildren everything he knew.  Whether it was about horses, how to drive the tractors, which screwdriver or wrench to use, or just simply living life on the farm, he always made sure they knew.  He was always so excited to talk about them any chance he was given and made sure people knew how much he loved them.  The arrival of Lincoln in 2018 was a very high point for the family – especially for Jim.  Everyone around Jim knew about Lincoln and how much joy and happiness he brought him.  This is something that Karlee and Joel will be forever grateful for, and they will make sure Lincoln knows just how amazing his “pa” really was.

Jim was the eldest child and only son of the late William (“Bill”) and Mildred Tye (nee Hebblethwaite), who predeceased him in 1998 and 2010.  He was also a wonderful brother to and is survived by his loving sisters Nettie Apthorp (Dan) of Blenheim, Donna Holling (Bill) of Chatham and Joyce Clark (John) of McKay’s Corners.  He was predeceased by his infant sister Patricia Anne Tye at birth.  He will also be truly missed by many nieces and nephews and other extended family who loved him dearly.

Jim was a man of few words, but many talents.  Often thought of as the “horse whisperer”, Jim knew everything there was to know about horses.  Whether it was how to ride or train a horse or patch a horse’s foot – Jim knew it all.  This was a trade that was known by very few, so Jim made sure to share his talents with anyone who was willing to learn.  He spent all of his life working with horses and often was away from home for long periods of time to work and provide for his family.  He was very well-known for his work over the years, and that is something his family is very proud of him for.  Even well into his retirement, you would often find Jim at the weekly horse races with his wife, Mary Lou.  He especially loved to watch his best friend and “racing buddy” Donny Rankin Jr. race his horses and still liked to help in the barn or paddock any time he could.

The farm was home for Jim and Mary Lou.  They raised their entire family there and made many wonderful memories.  Up until 2021 when they made the decision to mover to Maple City Residence in Chatham, the farm was the only place that Jim called home.  The family would like to sincerely thank all of the staff at Maple City Residence for their continued and wonderful care and for making Jim feel at home over the past year.  Also, to Dr. Andrew Lanz-O’Brien and Dr. Martha Clendenning for their continued support and compassion, and to all staff on the Medicine A and Continuous Care units at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for keeping Jim comfortable in his final days.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Jim is now resting peacefully and eternally with his parents, Bill and Mildred and his daughter, Deb.  In honour of Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Those wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House Charities – Southwestern Ontario,  the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation – all of which Jim loved to support on his own.