Obituary of James Wesley Renshaw

The family of James Wesley Renshaw are saddened to announce his peaceful passing July 30th, 2017 at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing. Jim was born in East Riverside, December 16th, 1924 to the late Sydney Merritt Renshaw and Laura Annie Cook. Jim served in Europe in World War II as a member of The Calgary Highlanders from 1941-1946. He was proud of his service overseas and always marched in the Remembrance Day Parade. After the war, he worked in Rothesay at Kennedy’s Garage as a mechanic and chauffeur. He met his wife Catharine Simpson who also worked in Rothesay and they were married in 1950. He never shied away from hard work and build the Renshaw Road in East Riverside. He wanted to work for himself and he loved driving trucks and in 1958 to 1973 he worked as an agent for Imperial Oil. Jim loved children and drove school bus for District 19 for 15 years until his retirement at age 65. In Jim’s earlier years he worked as a volunteer fireman with the Rothesay Fire Department and became Deputy Chief after the war until 1958. Jim and Catharine loved to travel and since he loved to drive there were many trips to the West visiting her family in Calgary, AB and his in Vancouver, BC. In later years they would drive to Florida and spend the winters there. They travelled to Europe and the United Kingdom to visit Catharine’s family in Scotland. A life well lived, Jim worked hard and enjoyed a good joke and a stiff drink. Surviving are his son Wesley (Helen) and their children Destiny of Saint John and Tyler of Quispamsis, and his daughter Elaine Mahler (Steve) of Quispamsis and their children Shawn (Karen) of High River, AB, Christine Shapovalov (Alexander) of Fort St. John, BC. Also surviving are his brother Donald Thurber Renshaw (Mariquet) of Vancouver, BC, his brother-in-law George Simpson (Jean) and sister-in-law Arlene of Calgary, AB. Also he is survived by many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson Bryson, and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s companion for many years Roma (Rona) Scott, friends Jeannine Comeau checking on Dad and Neil McBride for his Sunday morning coffee. He also leaves behind his cat Maisie that he loved dearly. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister Phyllis Thurber-Jones and brother Herbert Allan (Joan). Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no visiting or funeral service. A private family graveside will be held at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to the Salvation Army, who Jim said were on the front lines during the war helping the injured, or to Ridgewood Veterans Wing Comfort Fund would be greatly appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.brenansfh.com.