Obituary of James Stephen Butyniec
James "Jim" Butyniec passed away peacefully Friday evening in the comfort of his home and the company of his loving wife Gloria after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Beloved husband of Gloria for 37 years. Loving father of David, Stephen (Marissa), and Brandon (Vanessa). Grandfather of Madelyn, Athan, Alexa, and Adler. Brother to Julian (Christine) and Jeannie. Predeceased by his parents Ilko and Honorata (nee Brzdęk).
Jim loved to golf, coach sports, keep his lawn in immaculate shape, drive his John Deere and spend time with his children and grandchildren. Starting from the humblest of beginnings he had an incredibly successful career as a respected leader in the Aerospace industry spanning many decades, including leading the turnaround of Magellan Aerospace. Jim will be missed and remembered for many things including his honesty, integrity, wisdom, work ethic, large heart, selflessness, quick wit, big smile and sense of humour.
From the Barn to the Boardroom: Jim was born in a barn in Austria in 1944 to parents displaced from Poland during WW2. He spent his early years living in post war camps for displaced persons until he, his brother Julian, and mother Honorata immigrated to Canada in 1949 as refugees, joining his father Ilko who had gone to Canada a year earlier to work. After a short stay in Kincardine, they made their way to the Niagara region to work on the farm of Polish cousins living in the area. Here they would settle and make a life. The early years in Canada were not easy but they adapted and found their footing. From these humble beginnings, with little direction, and against the odds, Jim worked hard and made himself a success story, eventually becoming the President & CEO of a global company. The contrast of what his prospects were at a young age and where he ended up is a testament to his strength and determination. Whether with his family or at work, he did all things with an incredible passion and commitment that we should all envy. Jim loved and was loved.
Our world is a lesser place without him.
If you have any memories or photos of Jim that you would like to share, please go to "Tribute Wall" and you may do so there.
Keeping with Jim’s wishes, funeral arrangements have been entrusted with GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. The family will be receiving guests on Wednesday, November 25th, from 2:30PM-4:30PM – 5:30PM-7:30PM. A graveside service will be held on, Thursday, November 26th at 11AM at Victoria Lawn Cemetery with a private family reception to follow. If so desired, in memory of Jim and to raise awareness for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, please make donations to the Steve Ludzik Centre for Parkinson’s Rehab.
As per the Province of Ontario Covid-19 regulations - visitation is limited to 30% building capacity. Funeral attendance is limited to 60 guests. All guests attending the visitation or funeral must wear a mask and must call in to make an appointment (905) 937 4444