We Remember

MONTPETIT, “Jim” Donald James
December 16, 1951 — January 27, 2025
Jim Montpetit lived a full and exuberant life. Sadly, he left us on January 27, 2025, and his absence has created a hole that can never be filled. Born on December 16, 1951, he lived life the way it was meant to be: with honor, love, and plenty of humour. His charismatic smile and the twinkle in his eye are unforgettable.
He leaves behind his wife – his partner – his best friend of over 50 years: Anne, and his daughters: Joanne and Jacquie (David). He was a proud Poppa to Benson and Mila, always ready and waiting for a hug and some giggles. His siblings Mickey (Bob), Martin (Bernice), and Lucy (Rick) will keep his memory close to heart, along with his sister-in-law Cecile (Tom) and his family from Anne’s side: Dave (Jeanne), Bruce (Judy), Mary, Mike, and Grace (Doug). His many nieces, nephews, and friends will carry his legacy forward. His spirit lives alongside his brother Duane, who passed before him.
Jim: you were the best husband, father, and Poppa we could ever hope for. A great friend to all who knew you for many decades. A Master’s degree educator, mentor, and role model to the whole community. You thrived in helping others succeed and in their happiness! Generosity wasn’t your second nature, it was your first. You were serious and silly, intelligent and thoughtful, a great debater who sought the good on all sides, willing to listen and always there for everyone. You were a great athlete, golfer, and outdoorsman who will be forever deeply, deeply missed.
Jim approached challenges the same way he approached life: with focus, determination, and a zest that ensured the best chance of success and getting things done. Jim won many battles, including one against prostate cancer. He rode in the “Motorcycle Ride for Dad” many years, a fundraiser for prostate cancer research, and in his honour – the family is grateful for donations to this or any cause that sparks that same passion and zest for life.
The family will be hosting a party to celebrate his wonderful life at a later date, under the warm summer sun. His memory will live on.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
My deepest sympathies to the family. I had the extreme pleasure of working with Jim at Bertha Kennedy. He was an amazing leader for our students and staff. It was a building filled with laughter, compassion and a sense of family. I smile when I recall how we filled his office with balloons for his birthday. He will be missed and always remembered fondly as a gentle person who treated everyone with who crossed his path. May you find comfort in shared memories.
Ann, Joanne, Jacquie & family,
May the many cherished memories you have in your hearts, help you through this difficult time.
Both Robert and I will always cherish Jim as one of our favourite teachers, then later in life, it was Jim who encouraged me to become a school board trustee and 29 years later still involved with education.
Deepest sympathies to you all.
So sorry to hear about Jim. I will always remember him as a stalwart colleague, his willingness to help others and his sense of humour. Rest in peace my friend. David Woloshyn
Anne, my deepest sympathy. I was Jim’s vice principal at Bertha Kennedy and again at Notre Dame. What I remember most about Jim was his deep sense of gratitude for the blessings in his life. He was so devoted to his girls; Anne, Joanne and Jacquie. He believed that he was the luckiest man alive and spoke highly, always, of all of you. I you have the comfort of knowing that all of you meant the world to him. Cathy
Marilyn and I extend our condolences to all of Jim’s family!
Our sympathy to the entire family. We were not aware that Jim had moved to Kelowna !
Such sad, sad news. I remember Jim with such fond memories. He was a wonderful principal and mentor to all. He certainly will be remembered by all of us parents at Bertha Kennedy. He was also very encouraging to me when I because a school board trustee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Anne , and your extended family. Had I known he was in Kelowna, I would have visited. May Jim rest peacefully for all eternity. Jacquie and Dean Hansen.
Dear Anne
We were so sorry and shocked to hear of Jim’s passing. Our hearts are with you and your family. Both Don and I truly enjoyed working with Jim. He was an awesome administrator and a good friend!
May you find comfort in the cherished memories you have of happy time together. We wish you peace in knowing that Jim is now being held in the loving hands of God.
Sincerely,
Don and Cathi Cross
Dear Anne, Jacquie, Dave and Joanne and family,
I worked with Jim at Vital Grandin as well as Bertha Kennedy Schools. Jim had a great sense of humour, a love of children, and respect for his staff. He may have taught me about Lucille, and B.B. King. Please accept my condolences in the loss of Jim. May precious memories help comfort you in the days ahead. .
Anne, my deepest condolences to you, your family, and the Montpetit family, Jim was a great person, genuine and truly kind, to be in his presence was an absolute joy.
Mr. Montpetit was my principal when I was a student at Bertha Kennedy. I was a little trouble maker, I got sent to see Mr. Montpetit often. He was the Principal Skinner to my Bart Simpson. Reading his obituary, I have great respect for the man. My condolences to his family and friends
Dear Anne and family, condolences to you and your family. Jim was such a gentleman and did so much for so many! May he rest in peace.
My condolences to you Anne the girls and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry to hear about Jim! I always enjoyed our conversations at family gatherings or after the harvest at Martin’s. The last time I saw him was a the Piper golfing, Our talk got to the girls, and how proud he was of them and there accomplishments. He also mentioned about, I think Joanne that she was riding a bike and he wasn’t too worried about her ability. He will be missed and often thought of.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Had great memories of Jim as a teacher. May he rest in peace and you hold onto all your memories of him in your heart.
I was shocked to see Jim‘s obituary. I’m sending my most sincere and deepest condolences to Jim‘s family and friends. I was a parent volunteer at Bertha Kennedy school for many years as well as being on the parent council. All of my children went to the school and loved having Mr. Montpetit as their principal. All of my kids adored him, Our family had ultimate respect for Jim, he was one of the kindest people I have ever known, and he was always so good with the kids and the parents. He was very easy to talk to and very approachable. Not to mention very funny. He had a wonderful sense of humor. I last ran into him in Walmart in Saint Albert a few years ago. He recognized me before I recognized him. that’s the kind of person I knew him to be. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dear Anne, Joanne, Jacquie, Dave and grandchildren. We are so sorry for Jim’s passing. He was a great cousin.
From the Blanchette family Marie, Dan, Vince and Agnes
To the family of Jim,
I knew him as my first Principal at Bertha Kennedy school. In fact, I think his face is the first that comes to mind when I hear the word “Principal”. While at Bertha Kennedy, my parents went through a divorce, which severely impacted my mother. Mr. Montpetit (as I knew him) personally saw to it that my mom had adequate support, which meant more than the world to her, and by extension, to me. He went so far above and beyond what his duties required of him that even though I was quite young at the time, I will always, always remember how touching it was that he went the extra mile for my family, even if I was too young to truly understand at the time. He helped inspire an ethic that I carry with me to this day: go out of your way to be kind, because you never know how much of a difference you can make, even if the action is small. My deep and sincere condolences to you, the family. Thank you for helping him be the man he was.
To Anne, Joanne, Jacquie and family and friends- I wondered whether to delete “and friends” because he was so approachable and thoughtful we felt like we were honored to be like family- I heartily agree with other comments about how Bertha Kennedy school felt like a supportive loving family. My mother (RIP) was a life-long teacher and from my earliest school days taught me that a teacher is like your parent and to show respect you always call them by Mr./Mrs/Miss/Ms. I never got out of that habit as an adult. Mr. Montpetit’s support and heartfelt friendship and compassion to me personally, and to colleagues and other parents and students, embodied such lovely leadership that the ripples of his presence on the paths of our lives will echo eternally. Condolences to all who mourn him. Our lives are better for having known him. May you rest in peace, Mr. Montpetit.
Jim was a wonderful man, smart, joyous, kind. We were discussing some egregious fault of a group of high school students one day and Jim said “They have a highly developed sense of entitlement”. A phrase I use to this day, thanks to Jim.
Carey
Judy & I offer our deepest condolences to all of Jim’s family. I knew Jim in our younger years and remember his wit and sense of humour, as well as his giggle.
Sincerely,
Al Douziech
My sincere condolences to Anne and all the Montpetit family. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim for many years. May he rest in peace.
Dear Anne, Joanne and Jacquie my heartfelt condolences on Jim’s passing. He did have a great sense of humour and he was a compassionate leader bringing his best to students, staff and community. I hope that you all find solace in the memories that you have shared together. Be well.
Steve Bayus
Deepest sympathy to the Montpetit and Kallal family.