Surrounded by friends and family, Jim Mulhern passed away at LHSC Victoria Hospital, London, on January 9, 2023. Beloved husband of Mona, to whom he was married for 56 years. Loving father of Sean (Amy), Brennan and Erinn (Yan Gilbert). He will be missed by his grandchildren Marley, Ellie, Jake and Victoria. Dear brother of Mary Carol (the late David Cadrin) and Bryan (Marianne), nieces and many cousins and relatives. He fought a brave and long 38 year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
He was a pillar of the community in this beloved Goderich. Jim made a career of insurance. He started out in Chatham, Ontario, his birthplace, as an insurance adjuster and in 1969, was promoted to Clinton as manager of the office of Morden and Helwig Limited. Eventually, in 1978, he arrived at a crossroads, whether to move to Hamilton with M. & H. or become an insurance broker and he chose the latter. In 1980, he and Wayne Lyons joined forces to form Lyons and Mulhern Insurance. That partnership was quite amazing and the friendship of Wayne and Heather stayed firm and trustworthy. J.J. was a singer and musician who spread his gifts widely in the community at large: the Harbouraires, St. Peter’s Church Choir, Kincardine’s Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and other arts organizations. He held Goderich Little Theatre particularly dear and his devotion to maintaining and upgrading the Livery was only matched by his passion as GLT historian and archivist. Through several terms as a Board member and many years as a volunteer, Jim’s calm presence and friendly assurance was treasured by all. He was a member of the Kinsmen. Upon his retirement, he immersed himself in genealogy and created ancestry charts for friends and neighbours.
Special thanks to the expert doctors, nurses and the many other compassionate staff at Victoria Hospital in London ON. We would also like to thank his niece, "Dr. Katie" for her medical expertise and taking the time to help us better understand what was going on with Jim in his final days in the ICU. We suspect that our dear Jim, Dad, Papa “J” is probably singing in a heavenly choir, showing us who mourn his passing with strength, courage and love as we journey on without his presence. We miss you our darling man.
Friends will be received at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Thursday January 19, 2023 from 12 noon- 2 PM. where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 PM. Cremation to follow. The family kindly requests the use of masks or face coverings and social distance protocols be observed. Memorial donations to Huron Hospice, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Goderich Livery gratefully acknowledged.
Shared by Erinn Mulhern-Gilbert
Shared by David and Diane Snyder
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).
William Curry
I am sorry that I did not know of this sooner, so please forgive the lateness of this remembrance.
I will miss the quiet and kind way that he always greeted me. He would have a smile on his face that even when it was subtle, seemed big and bright. I respected the concern he had for the community. He knew that to help keep a community strong, and healthy, you had to care about each and every person in that community. I cherish the long conversation that he and I had when he shared that pearl of wisdom with me.
My heart goes out to Mona and their family.
Virginia Albert
To our cousin Jimmie Mulhern; it’s been a long time since we were together, but still have memories, like being back on the Kraemer family farm with all of the family. God bless…Virginia Albert ( Ginnie Anne Kraemer) and Ron Kraemer
Susan Istrati-Gloutnez
My deepest sympathies to Mona and family on your loss. Jim had reached out to me when he was doing the Istrati genealogy. I am keeping you all in my prayers.
Margo Bettger-Hahn
We have many fond memories of coffee times at Tim Horton’s with Dad and Jim and the rest of the gang. Time well spent. Sincerest sympathy, The Bettger family.
Stephanie Cloet
Jim was always a pleasure to chat with. We will miss running into him around Town, and at the beach where he was always up for a talk while enjoying an ice cream cone. Our sincere condolences to Mona & the Mulhern Family.
David and Diane Snyder
Jim’s love of Goderich was reflected in his very being. He shared with me his love of the theatre and I shared in return, times and tales from my career as producer of the famous Heavy Organ Sound and Light Spectacular, in which I performed on the Light Organ transcribing the music of JS Bach into visual essence performing it to gigantic crowds .He gave me assurance in my times of friendly need when he believed me to be suffering and seeking from me only my continued friendship.Everyone who met him just had to love him, laugh with him when he shared his great sense of humor. He stood ready to stand with anyone seeking the strength of a great friend and he did it in the name of our Lord. Jim,,I will miss you but I rejoice for you having found the greatest friend with whom to celebrate life eternal .
Debbie Whitmore
Prayers are with Mona and family at this time of Jim’s passing. I remember him at Mass with his faithful presence and pleasant smile. God bless .
Sean Foley
I first met Jim and Mona, back in 1985, when Garry Hunter was sworn-in as a Judge of the Provincial Court in Goderich.
Later in the 1990’s, Margaret and I got to know him very well, as we sailed around Lake Huron, for 10 summers or so.
With Garry as our Captain, Jim as Number 2, affable Bob as number 3, we visited Sarnia, Michigan, Kincardine,
Port Elgin, Tobermory, the North Shore and Little Current. One of our favourite places was Bayfield.
We saw him also whenever Mona was exhibiting her Art in Niagara.
Jim was the quintessential gentleman. He was modest, talented, and great company. We shall all miss him.
Lots of love to you, Mona, and the family.
Sean Foley and Margaret Matyus
Floyd Herman
An amazing man with a sparkling wit. Our paths crossed thanks to Goderich Little Theatre, and those days of the Froggie Awards in the 80’s were epic. Condolences and love to Mona, family and friends. Floyd & Liz Herman
Herbert Marshall
So sorry Mona and family. Jim as I knew him was thoughtful ,gentlemanly ,giving of his time and a pleasure to be with. He will have left his mark. Goderich will miss him.
Eileen George
We, the John Foran Family, are sorry to learn of Jim’s death. he worked hard on researching our geneology throughout the COVID lockdown time. We appreciate the time and effort that Jim put into this project. Even though Jim is gone, we have the the treasure of his work. I, Eileen George, enjoyed the times that I, personally met with Jim, and the telephone conversations that we had about the John Foran Family Tree.
Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss.
John Foran Clan
Barry Page
My heartfelt condolences to Mona and Family. I knew Jim for many years and enjoyed his company and knowledge of local history. He had an infectious smile, and will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Jim.
Debbie Delyea
So sorry for your families loss and to Heather and Wayne as well,may the lord speak peace to your pain at this time.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Mona and family – you are close in our hearts with prayer.
Jim’s love and caring – for his family, faith, music and community – will always be fondly remembered.
With sadness and sympathy –
Cecelia and Don
Jason & Sarah Rylaarsdam
Our condolences to the Mulhern family ♥ We were sad to hear of his passing.
Jim was always great to work with and we always enjoyed when he would stop in at the shop.
Jason & Sarah Rylaarsdam
Scarlett McGraw
I worked with Jim at (what was then) Lyon’s and Mulhern Ins. and had the pleasure of learning from and working alongside Jim briefly before his retirement, and then his weekly visits to the office thereafter. Jim always had a funny story or a tidbit of history to tell me and I was always happy to stop everything and listen, and often share a laugh. It was a pleasure knowing and learning from you Jim. You have a great legacy you have left in Goderich and I am honoured to have known you. My condolences to your family, may you rest in Peace Jim.
Ralph and Eleanor Smith
We were so sorry to learn that Jim had lost his battle. Jim always took time to stop and talk when we would meet at the Genealogical meetings. He was an interesting man who also showed interest in others. He has left his footprints in all the organizations in which he participated. Our sympathy to all the family. Ralph and Eleanor Smith
Jim & Shelagh McDade
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mona and the entire family during this difficult time.
David Cann
It is with deep sympathy that we extend our condolences to the Mulhern family on the passing of their patriarch. Jim was a passionate and driving force in our church choir and his presence will be greatly missed. To all the family, it is always difficult to lose a loved one but take comfort knowing that Jim is now in the loving hands of our Lord.
Sincerely,
David Cann & Mary Ann Hogan
Tom Dean
I’m sadden at the news of Jim’s passing. My condolences to his family.
Jim was one classy guy, a true gentleman. He always had something interesting to say.
I’ll miss him
Angelika Heim
We are sharing your grief. He was such a lovely man who was always kind and generous with his time and interest when he came to visit Sean and family. Sending much love to all of you. xo
MaryAnn and Bill Barlow
Dear Mona,Brennan,Sean&Erinn and families
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We sang together at St.Peters many years ago. When we moved away from Goderich and were visiting with Bill and Audrey, Jim would always come over for a visit. He always had a beautiful smile and we enjoyed chatting with him. Rest in Peace Jim🙏💙 With Deepest sympathy. Bill &Mary Ann Barlow
Shirley Erb
To all of Jims Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe and Joyce Essery
Sincere condolences to all the family on Jim’s passing. Always a kind and gentle man and faithful parishioner of St. Peter’s Church community.
Over the years in the automotive collision industry, we had many business dealings with Jim as well. It was always a pleasure!
John banter
Jim and I were neighbours on Elgin ave and Wellesley for many years, we were also competitors in the insurance brokerage business. Always a gentleman, we got along well. I did not realize he had a health battle going on, sometimes you just don’t realize the problems people are dealing with. At least now Jim you do not have to carry this burden. R.I.P.
Walter Stalenhoef
Dear Mulhern Family
Please receive our sincere condolences with the passing of Jim.
What a fine gentleman he was. Always showing interest in how you were doing, family, sailing.
May his memories give you strength in this difficult time of sorrow.
Walter & Renée Stalenhoef
Don MacGillivray
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will be missed.
Brent Little
Well ,Jim was a great friend and neighbour ,he will be sadly missed in our community,always appreciated a good conversation with Jimmy. Brent Little Wendy Chase
Gayke and Barron Purser
Dear Mona and family
We extend our sincere condolences , in your loss of Jim.
He has left a wonderful legacy.
Gayle and Barney
Beverley Allan
Though today it may be difficult to see beyond the sorrow, may remembering the cherished memories help comfort you tomorrow.
My sincerest condolences.
Bev Allan
Sean Mulhern
With thanks to the Goderich Little Theatre: https://www.thelivery.ca/copy-of-home
Erinn Mulhern-Gilbert
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song
We will miss you Daddy.
Love always, Erinn xo
Patricia M. Haskell
I have known Jim since I moved here from Chatham in 1972. I went to school with Mary Carol at The pines in Chatham. My maiden name was Patricia Wright. I worked for Lyle Pinkney for several years dealing with Insurance Claims. Jim was caring and compassionate he was a good guy. Remember all the good times.