James Lloyd was born at home, in Bentinck Township, on October 20, 1938 to parents Valentine and Caroline (Weidendorf) Kaufman. Jim was welcomed by older siblings Ruth, John “Jack”, and was later followed by Edwin, Ivan, and Florence. The Kaufman family farmed on the 10th of Bentinck, where Jim attended school at Crawford School S.S. #9, in Bentinck as well. He later enrolled in Chesley District High School but in his own words attended “not very much!” Jim soon found work with Herb Miller at Welbeck Sawmill. In the years that followed, he spent time at Dirstein’s Sawmill, New Life Feeds, and Interforest. It was during this time that Jim and Jack purchased a farm on Mulock Rd. from Keith Robinson.
In 1961, Jim attended a dance at Esquire (now Knights of Columbus Hall) outside of Hanover where he took a particular fondness to a young lady by the name of Mary Elizabeth Bartman. In time, the two began dating. Seven years later they were married on September 21, 1968 at the Mulock Baptist Church. Mary moved into the farmhouse with Jim. The couple welcomed their daughter Tracy in 1972. The Kaufman’s moved off the farm and into their current home in December of 1978.
Jim switched career paths and began working towards becoming a plumber. He worked at Mechanical Plumbing & Heating in Hanover, before spending time with Dunc Gonder in Elmwood, with his final stop at Lang’s Plumbing & Heating. Jim’s big smile, happy demeanour and jokes, accompanied him wherever he went, making him a favourite with many of his clients. I am told his specialty was fixing pumps and there were few he couldn’t fix in his day. Jim retired in 1998, at the age of 60.
When not busy with work Jim loved to play. In his younger years, he played a lot of baseball and hockey in the Chesley, Elmwood, and Hanover areas. In later years, rather than playing, Jim enjoyed watching these sports. He loved the Detroit Red Wings and watching Gordie Howe in his prime. In fact, the only reason Jim got a passport, was to head south of the border and take in a game of NHL hockey with Tracy, usually in Buffalo (Tracy’s favourite team) or Detroit. Jim was also passionate about the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. Many hours were spent at the hunting hut on his father’s property. Then there were also the fishing trips, often up north, usually in the Temagami area, with his life-long friend Walter. Tea Lake, in Algonquin, was another favourite destination of Jim’s. Jim enjoyed “roughing it with the boys” but also found the time to camp with Mary and Tracy as well. He owned his own honey business “Jim’s Honey” which he took over from his father. With any remaining time left, Jim enjoyed spending time in the garden or going on walks with Mary.
Jim and Mary enjoyed their involvement with the Elmwood Seniors during their retirement. He also loved listening to his country and bluegrass music and was very fond of dancing. If it wasn’t sports on TV, Jim was usually catching up on the news. He never liked throwing things out and therefore usually had what you were looking for when in need. Over the years, he and Mary enjoyed many pets, but Joey, a beagle, was a favourite of Jim’s.
He made many friends through the years when working in the plumbing business and was always known for his big smile! A few years ago, Jim was diagnosed with Lymphoma as well as starting to show signs of dementia. He remained upbeat and positive and with the love and support of Mary, lived out his remaining years at home, surrounded by friends and family. Jim loved attending the Day Away Program in Hanover as it provided him with outings and a fun, caring environment. His smiling face will be remembered by staff and other participants for years to come.
Sadly, Jim’s health and strength had deteriorated in recent weeks, and a fall sent him to hospital. He passed away at Hanover & District Hospital on Saturday, June 13th, 2020 in his 82nd year.
Beloved husband of Mary (Bartman). Loving father of Tracy Mackey of Barrie. Jim will be dearly missed by his siblings Ruth Wolfe, John, both of Hanover, Edwin of R.R. #3 Elmwood, and Florence (Raymond) Weltz of R.R. #3 Ayton. He will be fondly remembered by the entire Kaufman and Bartman families. Jim was predeceased by his brother Ivan, great-nephew Owen MacPherson, and parents Valentine and Caroline (Weidendorf) Kaufman.
A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Bentinck Township on Friday, June 19, 2020. A public celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the future when we can come together and share stories, laughter, and hugs.
Memorial donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Hanover Day Away Program (please make cheques payable to HCSS) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
