James Anthony McClure Airlie

Jim loved his wife, Margaret, his family, football, woodworking, drawing and music. (Though Margaret would say, ‘…not always in that order.’) Which would make Jim laugh. And oh, how he loved to laugh!

Jim was the second child of Mary and Andrew Airlie. Jim was predeceased by his siblings Alice, May, Andrew and Margaret, all of whom he loved dearly. Jim’s early life in Glasgow, Scotland was cruelly shaped by the loss of his father when Jim was 15. He adored his father and would speak lovingly about him for his entire life. This loss informed Jim’s own approach to fatherhood as he was determined to be present, supportive and loving to all his family and friends throughout his life.

Jim was a stellar footballer prospect in Scotland in the 1940’s, including representing the Scotland Boys Under 15 team. In 1953, Jim became an apprentice Engineering Patternmaker working with ships built on the Clyde. The father of a beautiful neighbour girl (Margaret) had helped Jim discover his love of woodworking and gain entry to his chosen career. A few years after marrying the love of his life in 1960, Jim and Margaret moved to Canada to raise their children, Andrew and Kimberley.

Jim enjoyed a busy life in Toronto that spanned many years working in the custom furniture building industry and at Kodak Canada before he found himself most happily at DeHavilland/Bombardier. After many years playing semi-pro soccer, Jim transitioned to coaching and found the ‘second love’ of his life. Jim’s honest, direct manner and his passion for the game was infectious to any and every player he coached. He gained some of the highest credentials in Canadian Soccer and was a constantly in demand Coaching Course Instructor across Canada. Jim’s favourite years of coaching were in the late 1990’s and 2000’s when he coached the Ontario Provincial Women’s and U of T Women's teams alongside his devoted and beloved co-coach, Nikki. Jim reminisced about these wonderful years often and he kept in touch with many of the young women he mentored and followed their life journeys with immense pride in them. In 2007, Jim and Margaret moved to Vancouver to enjoy their lives closer to their adored grandchildren, Natalie and Cal.

Jim would tell you he was a simple man with simple tastes. The things he valued in life were honesty, integrity, the love of family and most things Scottish – with the exception of whisky, or any alcohol for that matter. Jim lived his life honourably, enthusiastically and truly wished the best for others at all times. He was a first class man, husband, father, uncle, coach and friend. He will never be forgotten.

Godspeed, Jim. With Unending Love From Us All.