Jim Stokes

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas James Stokes, CstJ, GCLJ, GomLJ, KH.,msc. Ret’d. Born on July 30th, 1930, the son of Lester Stokes, a veteran of World War One. Jim to everyone or the Colonel loved this village of Erieau. He was a proud veteran and would enjoy sitting down with a beverage and chatting about the Service and the accomplishments of his dad Lester Stokes during World War One and the love of sailing. He was also a very generous person and would help with donations to the Word of Life Church. Being a veteran, he enjoyed his Legion dinners for veterans and Remembrance Day. Throughout his career beginning with the cadet and then being a teacher and then serving with the Reserves with the Kent Regiment and then joining the Regular Force in 1953 along with his wife Ruth. Jim along with his wife were members of a lot of different organizations over the years.

He was an avid sailor and was commodore of the Erieau Yacht Club and Director, sailed many of the larks and won quite a few races over the years.  Jim has received many awards, decorations and commendations, not only during his military service career but in his civilian life.  His honours and awards were Commander for Her Majesty’s personal guard 1973. Awarded the Queens silver jubilee medal. Awarded The Canadian Centennial medal, awarded Canda 125th medal. Knight Commander hospitaller order of Saint John’s. Long service Medal of the most venerable order of Saint Johns.  Director of the Last Post Fund.

Honoured by the queen as the Officer of the most venerable order of the hospital of Saint Johns of Jerusalem. Awarded the Paul Harris fellowship. Awarded the Grand Officer of Merit the military and hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. Awarded Queens Golden Jubilee medal. Awarded the Knight Grand Cross the military an hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. These medals, awards and commendations are just a few of James attributes in who Jim was.

Jim was Commanding Officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlands of Hamilton, Life member of the Canadian Infantry Association, and the Argyll Sergeants Mess. Past Executive member of the Navy League of Canada, Past Chairman of Provincial Sailing Regatta, Provincial Staff Officer, of St. John’s Ambulance, Past President Blenheim Rotary Club, Governors Representative for Rotary, Commander Maritime Command.  Past Executive Member of the Navy League of Canada, Hamilton Branch.  Director Army Cadet League of Canada.

With all these accolades, honours and awards, Jim never spoke of them but enjoy talking about the service and sailing on Rondeau Bay in the Larks. Always had a smile on his face and a story to tell you. You lived a full life Jim in service to others. Sail on Jim Sail on.

Jim was the loved husband of Ruth, proud father of the Kathy & Doug and Jamie (2015) & Shannon.  Grandfather of Melissa, Justin and Jayme-Ruth and Great-Grandfather of Kaiden, Ryley and Natielia.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday September 17, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Jim will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Wednesday September 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery, Sombra.

Those wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations can be made at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Those wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/.  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations can be made at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com