James F. Gregson, known to family and friends as “Jim,” passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020, at the Anna Laberge Hospital, at the age of 67. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Ann and Emily Gregson; ex-wife and friend, Janet Rokas, caregiver and support until his passing; sister, Carol Gregson; nephew, Jeremy Gregson; and many members of the Rokas family. Born in Montreal on October 5, 1952, Jim grew up in Greenfield Park. He is predeceased by his mother, Viola Newton Gregson; father, Frederick Gregson; and step-mother, Madeline “Molly” Campbell Gregson.
Jim attended Royal George High School and was a 1975 graduate of Concordia University. He spent some time outside of Quebec in the 1970s, working as a cage tender in a deep rock mine in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, and later as a set designer at Access Television in Edmonton. He enjoyed recounting his solo motorcycle trip across Canada in 1976. He moved back to Quebec in the early 1980s, first to Montreal and then to Hemmingford in 1988. James worked in the Audio Visual Department at Concordia University for many years, and was an active volunteer in the Hemmingford community. Those close to Jim knew him as a caring and compassionate man who always had time for the more vulnerable members of society and especially those who struggled with mental illnesses. He had deft hands, when turned to woodworking or playing the flute, and an inquiring mind that sought knowledge throughout his life.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Jim touched are invited to a Celebration of Life from 1pm to 4pm, with an Hommage at 3pm on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at:
Serre & Finnegan
48, Rue de L’Église N
Lacolle,Quebec
1-800-263-3074
www.serrefinnegan.com
A private burial will be held at Urgel Bourgie Memorial Gardens in Saint-Hubert. Charitable donations in his memory can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 500-250 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5.