Obituary of James Donkers

DONKERS, James (Jacobus Aloysius) December 9, 1926 - January 1, 2014 We announce with heavy hearts the passing of our much loved husband, father, uncle grandfather, and great-grandfather at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. Jim was born in Boekel, N.B., The Netherlands. James immigrated to Canada in 1952 where he met his wife Donna Jean (Crerand) and was married for 56 years. Loving father of Jim (Margot), Daniel (Darlene), Denise Kerr (Ian), and Jeffrey (Pamela). Cherished grandfather to Nathon, Mathew (Cathie), Kathryn, Ryan, Alyson, Tyler, Trevor (Emily), Robert, and Wesley. Great-grandfather to Ryanna. Survived by brothers Peter, Johan, Frank, Adrian, Henry (Annie), and Hubert (Teresa); sisters-in-law Joanna Donkers, Lena Donkers, Dolores Fitzpatrick, Yvonne Hilker, Patricia Marzec, and Lorraine Prior (Don). Jim also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by parents Wilhelmina (Van Eerdt) and Jan; brothers Harry, Martinus, Wilhelmus, George, and Toon; and sisters Anneke and Hendrica. James had a passion for music, having been a church organist for many years. He had a great sense of humour, and was friendly to everyone he met. As a tailor, Jim worked at major clothing stores and established his own business, making family members, friends, and clients look good, for decades. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Grand River Hospital. We invite friends and family to share their memories of Jim during visitation at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario, on Friday, January 3, 2014, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Evening prayers will be shared at 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis RC Church, 53 Allen St. E., Waterloo, on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, we invite friends and family to a reception in the St. Louis RC Church hall. Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery, 335 University Ave E, Waterloo. Condolences for the family and donations to St. Louis Parish or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated and can be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home (519-745-8445). Visit www.erbgood.com for Jim's memorial.