It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James Flood, of Oshawa, Ontario, on September 18, 2026, at the age of 77, just shy of his 78th birthday.
Born and raised in Elora, Ontario, to Alfred and Mary Flood, Jim set out at an early age on his motorcycle to take on the world. He eventually made his home in the Toronto and Durham Region, where he built a life filled with family, friends, music, hockey, boating, laughter and countless memories.
Jim had a way of putting on a good “grumpy” persona, but those who knew him well knew that underneath it was a true teddy bear. He had a generous heart, a dry and often blunt sense of humour, and an unmistakable smile that could light up a room. He was the kind of person who was always looking after everyone else, no matter where he was or what was going on around him.
At the heart of Jim’s life was his family. Although he had no biological children of his own, he embraced Cinderella Flood as his loving wife and took Katherine and Michelle into his heart as his daughters. He never looked back. He was their dad in every way that mattered, proudly walking both girls down the aisle and continuing to be there for them through every chapter of their lives. He was also a loving father-in-law to Mike and Richard, and a proud grandfather to Claire, Kate, Karl, Rayden and Logan.
Jim was a husband, father, grandfather, coach, teammate, mentor, friend and so much more. Whatever role he took on, he gave it his whole heart. He was always there to help, to give, to encourage and, usually, to make everyone laugh along the way.
An entrepreneur at heart, Jim was a pool guy through and through. He started his own business many years ago and continued working at it right up until the end. He took great pride in what he built and in the people he met along the way.
Outside of work, Jim’s passions were many. He had a deep love of music, hockey, boating, friends and family. He played and coached hockey and was a proud member of The Mild Bunch. He loved being on the water and enjoyed both sailboats and cruisers. He loved his cowboy boots, had a surprising love for the bagpipes, and could always find a reason to have music playing.
Music was especially important in the Flood household. Jim created a home where there was almost always something playing, and where family could come home at any hour — even 3 a.m. — and turn up the music and sing along. Those sounds, traditions and moments became part of the family he built and will continue to live on in the memories of those who loved him.
Jim also rarely went through life without a dog by his side. He loved man’s best friend, with Bear, his German Shepherd/Collie, holding a particularly special place in his heart.
Jim loved his home on the beach in Bowmanville, a place where family and friends gathered and where countless memories were made. It was one of the many places that reflected what mattered most to him: good people, good times, music, laughter and being together.
Jim was never one to do anything halfway. Whether it was his work, his hockey team, his friendships or his family, he went all in with his heart. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories and traditions that will continue to be shared for generations.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Cinderella; his daughters, Katherine and Michelle; sons-in-law Mike and Richard; grandchildren Claire, Kate, Karl, Rayden and Logan; and by the many friends, teammates, colleagues and extended family who were fortunate enough to know him.
Jim may have left us, but the music will keep playing, the stories will keep being told, the traditions will continue, and his cowboy boots will always remind us of the big-hearted man underneath the grumpy exterior.
He was loved. He was family. And he will never be forgotten.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). Online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca
