James “Jim” Douglas Neufeld
November 2, 1951 - October 10, 2024

James “Jim” Neufeld, age 72, passed away at Lakeridge Health in Port Perry on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Jim was the beloved husband of Sandy (née Nolan) for 51 years, and their love story began the moment he saw her at Western University. Jim's family was his greatest pride, and he will be forever cherished by his children and their spouses: Eric (Tricia-Lee), Erin (Billy MacKenzie), Alyce (Jason Allen), and Laurel (Zack Dack). He was a devoted “Gramps” to Hazel Allen, who held a special place in his heart.

Jim will also be missed by his sister, Cathy Biederman (Terry), and by all who knew him. After a successful career in sales and marketing in the technology sector, Jim enjoyed retirement, filling his time with golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family. He was always there for his children’s school events and, in retirement, devoted even more time to them and his many hobbies, including cooking and gardening.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Low & Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior. A reception will follow in the Celebration Centre of the funeral home. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Rothenstein, Julie, Nancy, and Jim's homecare nurses, especially Danielle, as well as the staff at Port Perry Hospital for their compassionate care.

Harry, in his 90th year, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Beattie Manor in Wardsville, Ontario. Born on December 14, 1934, at home on Mechanic Street, Uxbridge, he was the son of the late Jack and May Stemp. Loving father of the late Dana of Uxbridge, and Ryan (Tammie) of Nova Scotia. Father-in-law to Stacey Stemp (née Millar) of Uxbridge. Beloved Grandpa to Garrett and Mia Stemp of Uxbridge, and Christopher Keeler of Strathroy. Harry is survived by his sister Jean and brother Barry (Shirley) and predeceased by sisters Helen and Barbara and brother Lloyd. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and remembered fondly by Kathryn Stemp.

With the exception of the 10 years he lived in Ottawa, Harry called Uxbridge home. Harry began his storied career in the newspaper industry with the Uxbridge Times-Journal, beginning as a linotype operator at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned eight weekly newspapers throughout central Ontario, including the Times-Journal, with his business partner, the late Bill Keyzers. Along with the newspaper titles, Harry and Bill also owned the Uxbridge Printing Company, which printed everything from stationery to newspapers.

He started writing his award-winning column ‘Stemp's Stew’ in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after the sale of the newspaper chain in 1989 but was revived in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to the Uxbridge Cosmos newspaper.

In addition to being a publisher and editor (and copy-editor, delivery man, salesperson, reporter, etc.), Harry was a past-president and former executive director for the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA). In this role, he travelled extensively throughout Canada and was incredibly proud of this country.

Harry believed in being involved and in giving back to the community in which he grew up. It wasn't just about monetary donations—he was also generous with his time and was passionate about enriching the lives of the people in his community, his family, and his friends. Harry co-chaired the successful Spring Water Days for many years and was a recipient of the Uxbridge Citizen of the Year Award and the Canada 150 Service Award. Harry was past-president of the Uxbridge Kinsmen Club and earned life membership with the Royal Canadian Legion.

Harry faithfully walked 5 km around his community each day before dawn, was an excellent skier, and an avid golfer in both Canada and Barbados. Harry shared his love for travel and adventure with his family. Lifelong memories were made with his boys and grandchildren, exploring Canada during family vacations. Barbados held a special place in Harry’s heart; he was often joined by family and friends to vacation and celebrate milestones. Harry was fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world, spreading his unique joie de vivre, making friends and enjoying ‘cold ones’ wherever he went.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Low & Low Funeral Home, and cremation has taken place. A celebration of Harry’s life will be announced at a later date. In Harry’s memory, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation would be sincerely appreciated. Memories and words of condolence can be left at www.lowandlow.ca.