James G. Abdee

April 2, 1938 - March 29, 2025

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of James G. Abdee on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Affectionately known to many as Jim, he was in his 87th year and leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love. The quintessential family man.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 40 years, Carole, and is survived by his cherished wife of 24 years, Rose Marie. He will be dearly missed by his sister Bev (Jim) and four children Susan (Ross), Sandra (Jim), Gary (Tamara), and Jason (Keka). He was a proud grandfather to Amanda, Zachary (Sakshi), Marc (Laura), Ashton, Max, Avery, Caroline, and Grace, as well as a cherished great-grandfather to 5.

He embraced Rose Marie’s family as part of his own including her 4 children Mary Louise (Jim, predeceased), Michael (Patsy), Jim (Michelle), and Chris (Bonita), 9 grandchildren Andrea, Patrick, Candace, Kristen, Marshall, Abigail, Thomas, Nicholas & Jordan, and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as Rose Marie’s brother Jack (Beth) and their family.

Jim was also a loving uncle to Mary and Michael (Heather). To say he was loved by all is an understatement.

Born to George & Maud in 1938, Jim grew up in East York, attending Holy Cross Catholic School and later attending St. Michael’s College. In 1959, Jim married his beloved wife, Carole, and together they built a wonderful life over 40 blissful years. Sadly, Carole passed away at the age of 59. In time, Jim reunited with his childhood schoolmate, Rose Marie, whom he later married, sharing 24 years of love and companionship.

Jim had a distinguished 25-year career with the Toronto Fire Service, joining as a firefighter in 1963 and retiring as Acting Captain. Following retirement, his dedication to the fire service continued as a proud member of the Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans Association. He cherished bringing his family to firefighter picnics and gathering with fellow firefighters at firefighter breakfasts.

Beyond his firefighting career, Jim was a hardworking entrepreneur. In 1969, he founded Country Downs Landscaping, establishing a thriving family business that continues today.

His Catholic faith was central to his life, and he served as an active member of the St. John the Evangelist parish, including as a Treasurer for the Knights of Columbus.

Jim’s love for his community extended beyond his professional life, serving as a dedicated hockey coach and President of Cedar Hill Minor Hockey League.

He cherished time at the cottage, calling BINGO, captaining his boat, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Oshawa Generals.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, who cared for “Sweet Jim” with kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or chalice.ca, an organization close to Jim’s heart.

Jim’s smile, warmth, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday, April 3, 2025
DeStefano Funeral Home-Horvath Suite
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Visitation:
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, April 3, 2025
DeStefano Funeral Home-Horvath Suite
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Funeral Mass:
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Friday, April 4, 2025
St. John the Evangelist Parish
903 Giffard St
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
905-668-3676

Interment:
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Friday, April 4, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
905-889-7467