THEXTON, James David - Died October 15, 2021 aged 90, after a brief illness.
Beloved husband of Francoise for 66 years, father of his dear son Eric and his wife Isabelle, his eldest son the late Peter and “Badad” to his cherished grand daughters Hazel and Marik.
He will be sadly missed also, by his sister-in-law Peggy and her children: Hazel, Heather, David, Carole, Mandy, Michael and their families in England, all dear to his heart.
Born in Windermere (England) to a family of modest means, James acquired most of his education through scholarships. He obtained an MA in economics from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and an MA in History from the University of Ottawa.
He taught at Rideau High School and Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, for nine years, before being invited by the University of Toronto to teach Economics and Political Science at the Faculty of Education for many years until his retirement. During a sabbatical leave from the University of Toronto, he obtained a Doctorate in Economic Education from the University of Ohio.
After his military service in the Royal Air Force , where he was stationed in Egypt, he hitchhiked through western Europe, visiting Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy and France.
After his retirement, he continued his explorations, going to the Northwest territories, Alaska, Baffin Island and many countries in Central and South America, particularly Guatemala, where he studied Spanish. He returned many times to that country and became a foster parent to a young Maya girl. Angela, now a teenager, is going to college. She too will miss her padrino.
James will be remembered as a kind-hearted, hardworking and thoroughly honest man, with a keen sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by many.
A private family burial will be held in Scarborough.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of James, to Unicef, Doctors without Borders or Amnesty International would be appreciate.
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