Born May 1, 1957 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, James Philip Chaisson died Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Exeter, Ontario, after a courageous battle with Lymphoma. He leaves behind 4 daughters: Rebecca Rooseboom (Chris), Jessica Vanderhaar (Jeremy), Amanda Wilson (Jeff), and Heaven Chaisson; we all loved him wholeheartedly, no matter what. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren who were his pride and joy: William, Kelsey, Oliver, Wesley, Aubrey, Nora, Penny, Malcolm, Edwin, Josie, Nathaniel, and Andrew. He was looking forward to spending his retirement with us, and we are heartbroken that his time was cut short. James is survived by his sister-in-law Judy Chaisson, niece Darcie Chaisson, and nephew Mike Earwicker, as well as many foster siblings, mostly in Eastern Canada. He was predeceased by his parents John Paul & Esther (Bromberg) Chaisson, foster parents Mr. & Mrs. Smith, brother Jack Chaisson, nephew Jack Chaisson Jr., sister Margaret Earwicker, and brother-in-law Brian Earwicker.
Dad didn’t always have an easy life; in fact he fought hard for most of his time here. From early childhood all the way to death; he was the strongest person we knew. He was fiercely independent and made a life for himself from grit, determination, and hard work. He was stoic and never let the “why” define or defeat him. He was known for being many things: a sailor, a good friend, stubborn & set in his ways, tall & big (especially his hands), but above all else he was our father and he loved us the way he knew best. All he really wanted was the simple things: peace & quiet, quality time with family, and coming home to Huron County. We are so glad to have done these things with him before he passed.
We are proud of who you were and what you accomplished in this lifetime. Now, rest easy dad. We find comfort in knowing the suffering has ended, and that you are reunited with family on the other side.
We will look for you… at the lake, in the ocean, down the river. Wherever there is water, there you will be. May you always have “fair winds and following seas”.
With love, always & forever, Your girls.
Cremation has taken place as per our dad’s wishes. A private gathering will happen at a later date.
A Sailor’s Blessing
May the seas lie smooth before you.
May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails.
May sunshine warm your face,
And kindness warm your soul.
And, until we meet again,
May God bless you and keep you safe.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kait Martin
I just heard today that Jim had passed. I worked with him on the Lakes in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Quiet, kind, hard working and unforgettable. Much sympathy to you in your time of sorrow. May he rest in eternal peace.
Carl and Valerie Bolton
So Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I remember Jessica speaking fondly of her Dad while we worked. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Carl and Val Bolton
Julian Vaandering
Dear Mandy, Becky, Jessica, and Heaven
First off. Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and the entire family
Second. What a beautiful and moving eulogy.
I am absolutely devastated to hear the news that Jimmy passed. When I spoke to Jimmy 4 or 5 months ago he mentioned nothing about cancer and it sounded like the knee operation was a success.
Jimmy and I spent 3 seasons together on the M/V Birchglen between 2008-11, just before Heaven was born.
In those years we spend many many may hours together talking and above all what sticks in my memory is the pride and love in his voice whenever he talked of his three girls; Mandy, Becky, and Jessica. Later when we weren’t on the same ship we still stayed in touch and he would talk about Heaven with great love.
Loud? Well let me put it this way, you could hear Jimmy 3 decks down in the engine room, engine full ahead, turbo screaming so loud it would split your ears.
A fellow crew members once remarked “Jimmy c’est comme le oiseau.” (Jimmy is like the bird), I could not see no connection between the Jimmy and a frail little bird so I ask “Comment” how? to which he replied Fawk! Fawk! Fawk!
Yes he was a little rough around the edges, but he had a heart of gold, the hardest working and most honourable individuals I have ever had the good fortune to have worked beside.
May the seas lie smooth before you.
May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails.
May sunshine warm your face,
And kindness warm your soul.
And, until we meet again,
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Rest well my friend. FWE
Janet Stryker
Becky, Chris and the entire family,
My sincere sympathy at this sad time as you grieve the loss of your Dad and Grandpa
Robert Dick
Sending my deepest condolences to Amanda and her family during this devastating time.
Brittany Grenier
Jess Beck and Family, I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your dad. I never had the chance to meet him, but I know he raised such amazing children, and that alone says so much about the kind of man he was. I’m sure he would be such a proud grandpa, and his love and guidance will live on through all of you. Please know that I’m keeping you in my thoughts and sending love and strength during this difficult time
Erik & Heather Rotter
Thinking of you and your family right now, Becky. Your father sounds like quite the man. Blessings to you all.
Julie Kennedy
Thinking of you and your family Jess, treasure your memories
Melissa Fortier
Ladies (your partners and all your (not so) little people),
Our deepest condolences for the lost of your father. Our family is keeping you all in our hearts during this time. Sending you all lots of love.
Melissa (and family) Fortier nee Redmond
Carol Deichert
So very sorry to hear about your dad, Jess and family. It’s so hard to lose someone you hold dear. May God grant you much strength and peace as you learn to live without dad. Love and prayers Carol
Teresa Heppenheimer
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss Jessica and for the loss of your family. You dad sounded like a man who knew who he was and who loved him deeply. Thank you for sharing stories of him with me.
Aunt Leanne and Uncle Brian
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Stewart
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. My sympathy to you Jessica and all your Family.
Dawn & John Brown
Becky and family we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad and grandpa our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time
Audrey and Ed Rooseboom
Becky and Chris, Jessica and Jeremy, Amanda and Jeff, Heaven and children. Hugs and all our love as you come to terms with the loss of your Dad and Poppy. Thankful we had the chance to get to know Jim these last years. The love Jim has for his girls and his 12 grandchildren was always front and centre whenever we met at usually birthday celebrations in Zurich.