James Leonard Floyd
October 19, 1947 to September 10, 2025
Obituary
James Leonard Floyd, aged 77 years, of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, in the presence of his beloved partner of 28 years, Nancy Griffiths, and his close friend, Chris Tzotzos.
Born in Toronto, Ontario on October 19, 1947, Jim was the son of Eleanor Ivel Wright and renowned landscape architect James Austin Floyd. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Margaret and his nephew Peter Lightfoot.
He is lovingly remembered by Nancy and his siblings: Carol (Bob), Bill (Mary Lou), Holly, (Charlie), Dan and Paul (Cathy) as well as their children and grandchildren – especially Holly and Jack of St. John’s. Jim is also fondly remembered by Nancy’s family with whom he shared many years of love, laughter and connection.
Jim’s keen intelligence, creative spirit, gentle heart, sharp sense of humour and infectious smile touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by friends and colleagues across Canada and beyond.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim pursued a career in landscape architecture, graduating from University of Toronto in 1973. He remained self-employed throughout his career, designing hundreds of landscapes across British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador as well as internationally mainly in Japan. His work, which blended artistry with functionality, left a lasting imprint on residential and commercial properties, public spaces, parks and communities.
For the past 17 years, Jim faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease with grace and resilience, always seeking ways to maintain his health and live fully. He loved music, dancing and sharing meals with family and friends; he enjoyed these things to the very end.
We extend heartfelt thanks to those who stood by Jim during this time. Your support has given us strength.
Cremation has taken place.
Details of a tribute event will be shared with family and friends in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Newfoundland & Labrador in Jim’s memory.
Dear Nancy,
heartfelt condolences to you on Jim’s passing from Peter, Sam and I. Very sad news to receive. Jim has a kind heart, funny wit, was always a supportive professional, deep thinker, stellar landscape architect,, colleague and friend. We will miss him dearly, will light a candle, and send you all our love during this sad time. Hugs, Julia, Peter, Sam (and Uta from Germany) who accompanied us on a number of Tibb’s Eve celebrations. His light will shine bright.
Nancy my deepest condolences. Jim was always such a friendly guy who seemed to greet everyone with a smile.
Our yoga days with you both are fondly remembered.
Take care!
Serena
Dear Nancy:
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We were saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I remember fondly chatting with last Xmas at your Tibbs Eve party. We shared a few jokes and a few laughs and had a good chat. It is a memory for which I will always be grateful.
Jim was so sweet and kind and I loved his dry wit. He will be remembered!
Wanted you to know that Tom and I are thinking of you. We are currently travelling, and will be back in Canada mid-October. Perhaps at that time, we can get together for a cup of tea!
Take good care,
Love Lydia and Tom
Nancy,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will be remembered as someone who was kind and well respected and he left the world a better place by being in it.
Please know that there are many people thinking of you at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences,
Alton
Dear Nancy, sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I always think of him when using the stairs on the ECT Sugarloaf trail.
Dear Nancy
Condolences from Charlotte and I. We always enjoyed Jim’s company and his thoughtful words. Always a gentleman and indeed a supporter of planning..
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family at this time.
Stephen
Nancy,
Many years ago in high school, Jim played defensive end while I played corner back to his right. Jim made my job easy by being a fierce competitor and between us none of the opposition over five years were able to advance the ball on our side of the field.
Condolences to you, Jim’s family, and Jim’s many friends.
Nancy, sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It has been a few years but I remember he always seem to have a positive attirude. Take care.
Dear Nancy,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, Jim, and his family. Jim was an excellent man with a wonderful sense of humor. I still feel as though he is with us. The love you both shared was inspiring. The year I spent with you and Jim was truly memorable and deeply respected. Nancy, please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Sending condolences from one island to another.
Nancy, Keith and I send our sincere condolences. We participated in many Parkinson Society classes and events with Jim, as well as tai chi. We especially remember the dancing classes. He loved to dance and always had that great smile that lifted everyone up and got us laughing.. We will miss him.
Nancy and family, Jim was a fine man, always smiling and upbeat. In the face of Parkinson’s, he persevered and got on with a good life. He had a calm manner, with grace and style. May your great memories of him see you through this hard time.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim. Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and the positive impact he made on those around him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those who share in your grief.
With deepest sympathy,
Nancy and family:
Jim was the sweetest person. I was honored to have called him a friend. Thankful to Gerhard and Fredrique for having introduced us all many years ago at their farm in Flatrock; where we bonded over good food, conversation and wine. Jim and Chris became quick friends.
I was always inspired by how Jim handled his illness with grace. Never complaining and it certainly wasn’t easy with all that he was dealing with.
Nancy, you were the best caregiver and partner and helped make his life complete.
Sending you love as you navigate the days ahead.
Rest easy Jim. You will be missed.
Nancy,
We are so glad you were able to have many special years with Jim. You made him so happy by giving him your unconditional love. Thank you for being there for Jim and making his life full. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
With all our love, Paul and Cathy Floyd
Nancy I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Jim was just the nicest guy. I hope your great memories are a comfort to you.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I met him through the Parkinson’s Society NL several years ago when he joined the walking club. He was such a great and interesting person. and I’m glad to have known him.
Jim was a good man and great friend. His infectious smile made a lot of people happy. Nancy, you created a lot of his personal happiness. We are celebrating now as we recall our mutual experiences. Sincerest condolences.
We’re sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We knew him through Parkinson’s Society NL. Warmest hugs.
Phyllis Reardon & Tom Smart
Nancy
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
Our sincere condolences to you , your Family & Jim’s Family
May your beautiful memories that you & Jim shared
carry you through this difficult time
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I played many enjoyable duplicate bridge games with him. Jim was a true gentleman. My sincere condolences to Nancy and all of Jim’s family.
Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing.
May happy memories give you strength.
Sending my sincerest condolences,
Yvonne Manning
Sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.Sending my condolences to Nancy at this difficult time
Donna Hennebury
Nance, and all of Jim’s family,
My sincere condolences.
I’m so glad I got to see Jim while I was home in August. He was still determined to show his best side with his great smile and humor despite all he was going through. He definitely loved sharing food, song and dance with family and friends! I had the pleasure of experiencing that on many occasions. Jim had an infectious smile and was a true gentleman who was loved by many. Nancy, you were both so blessed to have found each other. Sending my love and praying for strength for you in the coming weeks and months. Although, i know watching Jim’s decline was most likely one of the most difficult things you have had to endure, I am sure knowing his suffering is over brings you some peace of mind.. Jim will be fondly remembered. May he rest in peace.
Love Clara and Daryl
To Nancy, and all of Jim’s family and friends:
Heartfelt condolences to you all on Jim’s passing.
Jim was a genuine example of all things good in this world, and constantly displayed that through his inherent grace, charm, wit and intellect – It was always a pleasure to be in his company..
Hold his memories close, best wishes to you all.
Rest well Jim.
Jim was a loving and charming man. I will not forget your kind heart and great wisdom. Thank you for being a great friend and life teacher in so many different ways. Rest well, Jim.
A truly special and lovely man is sadly no longer with us.
Gone but never forgotten…..will miss you Jim.
On behalf of Parkinson Society Newfoundland and Labrador, I want to express our sincerest condolences to Nancy and all of Jim’s family and friends.. Jim was a true inspiration to everyone living with Parkinson’s. He was a regular participant in all of our programs – and friend to every one of our members. His intelligence, sharp wit and huge smile will be sadly missed by everyone of us..