James (Jim) Stockton Redpath
September 24, 1936 to August 2, 2025
Obituary
James (Jim) Stockton Redpath passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, after a courageous twenty-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 88.
Jim grew up on a mine site in Val-d’Or, PQ, the eldest child of James and Margaret Redpath. As a teenager, he worked two formative summers on a small exploration boat in Hudson Bay, an experience that sparked both his enduring work ethic and a deep love of the Canadian North.
Jim earned his degree in mining engineering from McGill University and, at just 26, founded J.S. Redpath Ltd., a mining contracting company specializing in shaft sinking. Under his leadership, the company, located in North Bay, ON, laid a foundation of technical excellence and integrity, eventually becoming a global leader in mining services. He stepped away from the company at age 50, proud of its trajectory and legacy.
After leaving the mining world, Jim pursued his passion for art. He studied art curation at Sotheby’s in New York and went on to lead the Capitol Arts Centre in North Bay for several years, supporting local artists and fostering cultural growth.
In later years, Jim and his wife Bobbi settled in St. John’s, NL — a place he held close to his heart. There, they became deeply involved in the city’s vibrant arts community.
Jim found deep peace in the Canadian outdoors. He loved bushwhacking through the northern woods, fly fishing lazy streams, and breaking trail on cross-country skis — simply being immersed in nature’s quiet rhythms.
In recognition of his contributions to industry and the arts, Jim received honorary doctorates from both McGill University and Nipissing University, and served as the first Chancellor of Nipissing in 1994. He was awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals,and the Order of Ontario.
Jim is survived by his wife and partner of over 50 years, Bobbi, with whom he shared a rich and joyful life. He was a loving and supportive father to Carolyn, Lorraine, John, and Sarah, and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Anne and John. Jim’s life was one of vision, reinvention, and quiet philanthropy. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 20 at 4:00 p.m. at The Rooms in St. John’s, Newfoundland. If friends wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or a local arts organization in Jim’s memory.
Jim was truly extraordinary. His imagination, enthusiasm and generosity were a priceless gift to the arts in North Bay. His legacy lives. He will never be forgotten.
My deepest sympathy to Bobbi, her family and community.
Dear Bobbi, John, Sarah, Carolyn, Lorraine and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of your Husband, Father and Grandfather. He was a remarkable man who will forever be remembered by all for his kind heart, friendship and goodwill. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending our heartfelt condolences.
Bobbi and family, I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I feel honoured to have known Jim during my work with the Craft Council Gallery. We first met years ago at Quidi Vidi when the Gallery launched a dory that Jerome Canning had built in the gallery. I approached Jim who was clearly appreciative of the dory and enjoying the launch. Following that he visited the gallery often and was a much valued supporter of craft. Bobbi, I know that you and Jim were very involved in the arts community and I’m sure they appreciate and are thinking of you, Hoping special memories are helping in this sad time, Sharon LeRiche
The condolences mirror everything good about Jim Redpath. He was a good man. In addition, what made him outstanding was that he was an original. He was ahead of the curve. Few originals are as empathetic as was he. Bobbi, Bobbi.
Jim was a true gentleman. Though we didn’t have many opportunities to be in his presence, he always made Grant, myself and even our children feel very welcome.
I know he will be dearly missed by all.
Dear Bobbi, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in so many hearts and minds during this sad time.
Jim was one of a few individuals I met during my career who placed equal emphasis on all functional areas of business and as a consequence had a skillset that would have allowed them to successfully run any business. One example: Jim went on to prove this by putting the Capitol Centre on a firm footing. He successfully steered J. S. Redpath Limited through the mining industry’s downturns and upturns – which could be just as challenging. Among this select few, Jim stood out in that he was compassionate, and humble.
Bobbi and family: I know his departure hit hard. I wish you all the best on your journeys toward reconciliation and acceptance of what has happened. As hard as it may be, talk to each other.
To Bobbi: So very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We loved our time at the Narrows and Jim was instrumental in making condo life there a very enjoyable experience. He was so generous with his time and expertise all for the benefit of all unit holders. We would like to extend our most sincere condolences you and your family.
Dearest Bobbi and family, So sorry for your loss, Please accept our deepest condolences.
With love and prayers,
Sahar and Tariq Iqbal
Bobbi and family , we were so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Even though we had only known him a short time , he was a lovely man, a little chat and a smile ! Sending condolences to you all 🙏
We have sadly learned of the passing of our friend and colleague Jim Redpath.
As a colleague Jim and I shared ….as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor…the thrill and privilege of leading the newest ( and best!) undergraduate focussed university in Canada. As Nipissing’s first Chancellor he will always be remembered for his humour, wisdom and empathy. Only Jim could pull off introductory Convocation remarks that included an anecdote of how he got just got his head stuck in the bathroom sink as his new Nipissing Convocation hat wedged between the tap and the drain. Or when he announced that his speech would be short and then proceeded to unroll a dozen sheets of text scribbled paper over the front of the lectern . But then in all instances he proceeded to stun the new grads with his wit and wisdom. Jim was a true university Chancellor, honorific in title, yet providing encouragement at all times and timely advice when needed. He was proud of his university and proud of his role and we were all exceedingly proud to have him as member of the university community.
However, for many of us, Jim wasn’t just a colleague. He was a wonderful friend. I could share anecdote after anecdote of back country skiing adventures (where Jim would always test out the thin ice…and most often go through it). Or houseboat fishing trips where Jim once went diving and came up with a Pickerel in his mouth (I have the picture to prove it!) And of course there is King Redpath of Cameroon, when Jim was made an honorary king of a tribal region in Cameroon where he had donated the funds to build a water pipeline from the mountains to a village. And on the same trip, while climbing Mount Cameroon he taught us the Redpath shuffle…”one small step in front of another always gets you to the top.” A fitting Redpath metaphor for life. But as many of us know, this generous act of philanthropy in Africa was just one of the many donations that “Mr. Anonymous” contributed to the betterment of the North Bay community.
I could go on, but the Jim Redpath we will remember was one the kindest, empathetic, humorous, wise and talented persons I have known. He was simply a good human being. We are grateful to have been his friend and colleague.
Our condolences go to our friend Bobbi Redpath, a significant contributor to many communities in her own right, who was always an enthusiastic supporter of Jim in his many professional and social roles.
RIP Jim.
Dave and Sheila Marshall
Bobbi and Family,
So sorry to hear the news of Jim’s passing, he was a kind and generous man and a true gentleman in every sense of the word…..he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
To the entire Redpath family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was an unwaveringly warm and kind man, every time I was in his company. I’ve yet to meet anyone who would disagree. My Mom was always so fond of him, for good reason.
Dear Bobbi,
So sorry to learn of the death of your husband, Jim. He was a true gentleman who shared his joy for living and art and music. Sending condolences to you and your family.
Jim Redpath was a true and genuine gentleman. My sincere condolences to you, Bobbi and his whole family. Yes, not gone, merely transformed. This whole community has lost a good man.
Deepest condolences to the Redpath family! Proud to be a part of the legacy that Jim created!!
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Bobbi, Sarah, John, Carolyn, Lorraine and Families.
I was very sorry and saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I first met Jim and his family over 50 years ago when I had the pleasure to work for them. I will always remember Jim as a kind, caring and generous friend that would go out of his way to help me, Albert and my family. He made a difference in our lives and I will never forget him. I cherish the fond memories of Jim and Bobbi’s friendship over the years. I will be keeping you all in my caring thoughts during this sad and difficult time.
Wonderful man! He was very loving and generous. He always had a smile on his face every time I saw him.
I worked in engineering where there was a beautiful display of arts on every wall. Jim made every room look and feel better with his love for the arts.
My condolences to the family.
Sincere condolences to Jim’s family. My dad, Art Cunning, met Jim when he was working at Kerr-Addison mine, and Jim was working there as well during the summers of his university years. Later they also lived across the street from one another in Virginatown. Jim later hired my dad to work at Inco in Sudbury. He also spoke so kindly and respectfully about him all of his life. When I graduated with a B.Ed from Nipissing University, Jim was the Chancellor. After the ceremony, I approached him and introduced myself. He recalled my dad immediately, talked of their early friendship and said conferring my diploma that day felt like a moment where his life had come full circle. Such a lovely thing to say. It really meant so much to me and to my dad when I told him. He is also 88 now and life is winding down. He’s recalling his old friend today with warmth and sadness, but also with gratitude.
Bobbi and family
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a kind, generous and fascinating person. I will always remember my conversations with him many years ago with fondness. Thinking of you all during this sad time and sending love.
My sincere condolences to the Redpath family, my father worked for Redpath Mining for many years I remember Jim coming to our home NorthBay often. He was an amazing man.
Dear Bobbi
I’m so sorry you lost Jim. I am one of the McCreas who lived across the road from your husband’s family at Sigma Mines in Bourlamaque, Quebec. Sincere regards, Dorothy McCrea DesRoches
I am so sorry to hear of the passing. of such a kind soul. I had the pleasure of meeting him many years ago and had spoken with him almost daily during my workday. It always made my day to see his friendly face and he had a way of making you feel just as important to him as anyone else. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Dear Bobbi – I was so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He & Don were such great friends for most of their lives. Don loved to regale friends with tales of their adventures in Europe when they were in their late teens. They had an enduring friendship over 8 decades of life.
WIth deepest sympathies
Catherine MacLean
Sincere condolences Sarah & family. I remember Mr. Redpath as a “fun Dad” who took us tubing on the lake in North Bay. Thinking of you, your Mom & your family during this time.
Our sympathy to Bobbi and family. Jim was a special man.
My deepest condolences to the Redpath family..
The gentleness of Jim, the kindness of Jim, the humour and wit of Jim, the brilliance of Jim. Holdfast dear Bobbi.
I remember with pleasure, Jim‘s stories about exploration in Hudsons Bay, which included being chased by a polar bear!
Jim was a kind and generous man and a wonderful contributor to Canada and the world. A long life well spent.
I remember with pleasure, Jim‘s stories about exploration in Hudsons Bay, which included being chased by a polar bear!
Jim was a kind and generous man and a wonderful contributor to Canada and the world. A long life well spent.
Jim was such a special person. From the first time we met in the early 80’s, he quietly inspired me as well as he did so many others. His down to earth and humble style was not for show…it was who he was… and he led by example.
He served on the board of the corporation I chaired that other like-minded North Bay citizens such as Vic Fedeli, Peter Dyment and John Hobbs also supported. We formed Black Inc. to stimulate growth for our community and he originated good ideas along with all of us to which we all contributed financially to great effect.
He was a great community leader and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
Very sorry to hear of Mr Redpath’s passing.
A good man who made a better world.
My condolences to Bobbi and your family. Jim was a warm and kind gentleman. I remember how welcoming he was, with his lovely, disarming approach when meeting people, “I feel as though I should know you.” May your memories be a blessing.
Condolences to his family
Jim had a special passion for Canadian art and a great eye for seeing deep into the soul of a painting—understanding not just the brushstrokes, but the stories, landscapes, and emotions that shaped them..
Bobbi and Family
Sincerest condolences to Bobbi and Family. I had the pleasure of seeing the many accomplishments Jim and his team made through the years advancing the mining industry. with particular emphasis on safety. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to you Lorraine, Bobbi and the whole family. Rest in peace Jim.
Louise Moyes
Bobbi & family
My immediate thoughts go to Aug 2019 when by chance we crossed paths at the Black Spruce Restaurant in Norris Point
In true Redpath fashion you & Jim kindly invited us to visit with you when we got to St John’s
You have my deepest sympathy at this most difficult time
Jim was a true soul, he was thoughtful, interested and kind. I’m sorry for your loss.
Dear Bobbi
I’m thinking of you and the family at this difficult time. I remember Jim as a charming, thoughtful, and supportive man with a huge heart and a passion for the arts.. I am privileged to have known him.
His work ethic was an example to all who worked with/for him.
My deepest condolences to Bobbi and family. Jim was a unique and amazing person and his loss is a truly sad occasion. Working for and with Jim was a privilige not easily forgotten, nor were some of his tales and funny stories that only Jim could tell in his special way.
John and Emily Goodchild
My sincere condolences to Bobbi and family. I enjoyed my time working with Jim at Redpath and always remember how much he enjoyed the art world, with many paintings lining the walls of the office.
Bobbi and family,
It was a pleasure to have cared for Jim over the last couple of years and especially in his final days. Jim truly was the salt of the earth. May he rest in eternal peace. Sincerest condolences to all the family.
Bobbi, we are so sorry for the loss of your dear Jim. In addition to all Jim’s amazing accomplishments, he was a very faithful volunteer at The Gathering Place for many many years. This is where we became friends. Fly high with the Angels, Jim. Love Tom and Joan❤
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobbi and Jim’s children. Jim was a giant in the mining industry and a great leader. He will be missed by many. Our truest condolences to you all. The Gilberts
My deepest condolences Bobbi.
Jim was a very kind and generous individual.
Please accept my deepest condolences
Dear Bobbi and family what a loss Jim was a Gentleman of the first water.A description most fitting.So much fun together and your kindness to Kate and I will always be remembered.Love Tony
My dearest Bobbi.
I didn’t know Jim very well but my entire family did and every one of them spoke very highly of him. All said he was a gentleman through and through, a humble, exceptional man. May he rest in peace.
I offer my deepest sympathy to the whole family but especially to you, my dear cousin. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Bobbi,
Sending condolences to you and the passing of your husband. Jim was always a friendly face at LittleDale. You both looked like a great team. I hope your good memories are comfort to you at this time.
Kind regards, Maria Goodridge