It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of James David Shearer.
Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Jim is lovingly remembered by his mother, Hilda Shearer, wife, Leianne Shearer, children, and grandchildren; Alicia and Andrew Saunders (Jonathan, Alexzander, Camryn and Maggie), James and Cathy Shearer (Ava, Amber, Jenna, Liam, Lily and baby), Geoffrey and Carley Shearer (Janae, Haley, Jacob, Paisley and Jayden) and Alexzandria and Brock Penner (Seely).
Predeceased by father, James Shearer Sr.
Raised in Margaree Valley on Cape Breton Island, Jim grew up in a home where his parents taught him about the love of the Lord through their daily lives. He grew, in time, to love and serve the Lord in his own life. At an early age, he showed an interest in ministry. Following his father around to church camps and Bible clubs, he experienced the sharing of the Gospel time after time.
In 1983, Jim met Leianne while on a youth retreat canoeing and later attended the same Christian school. Their friendship turned into a serious relationship and not long after they were engaged. In 1985, they were married and created their home together in Truro, NS. They started their family in 1987, welcoming their first-born daughter, Alicia into the world. Over the next few years, Alicia’s two little brothers, James and Geoffrey were born. During this time, they relocated to Southern Ontario. And four years later they welcomed their baby sister, Alexzandria, completing their family.
In 1995, Jim felt God’s calling to attend Bible College. He graduated in 1999 and began ministry as a pastor at Scarborough Gospel Temple. His ministry journey led him throughout Southern Ontario, Quebec and finally to Northwestern Ontario. After some time in Dryden, God gave him the vision of a new ministry. In 2010, The Dryden Mission opened. Throughout the following years, more ministry opportunities arose. He officiated weddings and funerals, hosted Passover dinners, Christmas dinners and other special events to bring the community together for a time of celebration. The Dryden Mission became a place where people felt welcome, safe, encouraged, and cared for. Jim devoted his life to helping those in need and sharing God’s love.
Jim loved his family and always put their needs above his own. His family was truly his greatest joy and loved being all together. He deeply loved his wife and strived daily to show her his love and care. He was beyond grateful for the love and support she gave in return. Their marriage was an example of a marriage firmly founded in God. He was a devoted father who loved to take his kids on many adventures. As a family, they camped, explored nature, fished, went on boat trips, built sandcastles, went tobogganing, and attended Renaissance festivals. With dedication, he guided his children. With compassion, he carried his children’s burdens. He became a best friend and mentor. He was so very proud of his children. The legacy he leaves behind is one of honesty, sacrifice and devotion and a little bit of stubbornness.
Jim had the honour of being a grandfather of fifteen grandkids. His two oldest grandkids (Jonathan and Janae) decided to call him Dude and the name stuck. In a room full of fifteen grandkids, Dude was the loudest kid of them all. He shared a love of nature and gardening with his grandchildren. Many summer days were spent adventuring into the bush to look for treasures, having dress up tea parties and having campfires together. Over the last few months, as Dude found warmth and comfort in his bed he loved when the kids would snuggle with him and tell him about their day. They would build Lego, watch movies and YouTube videos, and read stories. His grandkids found joy in bringing snacks and anything else he needed to his room when he couldn’t get it himself. Although it was fun for them, he felt the love and care that they were showing him. Each of his grandkids will cherish the sweet memories and the powerful impact he had in their lives.
He spent many enjoyable hours collecting coins, Royal family memorabilia, books and of course, stamps. He also spent lots of time reading and enjoyed playing the piano. He was passionate about his heritage and spent many years extensively researching and documenting his family tree. He had the privilege to serve as Chaplin for both the Dryden Legion and the Oxdrift Legion. It was Jim’s way of honoring veterans and family members who made great sacrifices for our Country.
Condolences(15)-
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Laurel Grennier says
May 4, 2022 at 12:14 amI’m so sorry for your loss. Your Son, Husband, Dad, Grandpa was such a loving, kind loyal servant of our Lord and he will be sorely missed in our community. Hugging each one of you in my prayers.
Jordan & Kaci Ketterer says
May 4, 2022 at 2:00 amWe are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such an incredible man, and a huge mentor to Jordan throughout the years, and is so thankful and blessed for the moments he shared with Jim. He made such a huge impact in this town, and for the kingdom of God. He will be so very missed and always remembered. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
Pastor Ted & Nancy Molyneaux says
May 4, 2022 at 3:04 amSorry to hear of the passing of Jim Shearer.. We knew him years ago at Faith Baptist Church in Whitby. We have great memories of the family with Jim and Hilda and young “Jimmy”. May God be your comfort as God calls another servant home.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Lorraine Crow says
May 4, 2022 at 12:08 pmMy memories of you all are from London, Ontario a long time ago- thanks for your fun and support at FCBC- I know Jim’s’ heart and soul ‘ passion will forever carry on in you, his family.
patrick yap says
May 4, 2022 at 5:09 pmOur deepest condolences to Hilda, Joyce, Leianne and children.our prayers are with you. Jim we will miss you.
Donna Buchanan says
May 4, 2022 at 8:20 pmMy heart and deep condolences goes to Hilda, Leianne and all Jim’s precious family. This is very sad to hear. Jim’s smile and heart for people will always be remembered. He is a special man and has greatly blessed Dryden. His drive and energy to help others are an inspiration. Love to you all and you are in my prayers.
Tessie Martone says
May 7, 2022 at 12:49 pmMy deepest condolences to the Shearer family! Praying you feel the presence of God near during this difficult time.
Natalie Dubé (Veenhuis) says
May 11, 2022 at 1:59 amI am sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for God’s comfort and strength.
Andrew Ball says
May 7, 2022 at 1:13 pmAlicia, Andrew, and the entire Shearer family,
We were very sorry to hear of “Dude’s” passing. It is never easy to have someone that we love pass from this life to the next, but we have a great hope in God! The Bible gives us confidence that those who trust in Jesus Christ are citizens of heaven and seek the city whose architect and builder is God himself. Praying for you during this difficult time. Please be assured of our continued support and God’s peace. Love, your Calvary Church family.
Pastors Andrew & Julia Ball,
Church Board & Congregation,
Calvary Pentecostal,
Clarenville, Newfoundland
Steven Ferrill says
May 7, 2022 at 10:58 pmDeepest condolences from the USA Ferrill Family ??
Margaret Thomson says
May 8, 2022 at 12:28 amMy heart is so saddened to hear of James passing my cousin who so helped me with ancestry and we had so many great conversations.. we bonded not because we were related but because we shared the same sense of Family.. James I will miss our long chats emails and to Leanne and family my love to you all for loss of husband father grandfather ..
Natalie Dubé (Veenhuis) says
May 11, 2022 at 1:57 amI am sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ted Searle says
May 12, 2022 at 2:30 amSaddened to hear of Jim’s death yet encouraged to know he is free of pain and suffering and home with his Saviour whom he loved and served faithfully. Our deepest condolences to all of the family. Praying that the Lord will comfort you in your grief and loss.. Pastor Ted and Marie Searle
Kyle wetelainen says
May 12, 2022 at 4:28 amMy heart is broken and I will forever miss this amazing human being. Jim and I were close for a good 8-10 years and he taught me so much in life about God. Infact he first introduced god to me and we use to cruise across ice road out to his house and stock his out door fire place with wood and sing Christian songs.
He baptized me at the Dryden full Gospel Church, when they still had the pool beneath the stage and opened my eyes to God’s love.
He always went out of his way to help me, to share his love of stamps with me, even, cut my hair a few times?. I remember when I was younger in trouble with the law, he was always the first person I would call and he would always be their to come and rescue me.
Jim truly was an amazing human being, I am still abit in shock at him being gone and so very very saddened for his family..?.
I will miss you Pastor Jim and I hope God provides your family with strength and peace and now pastor Jim is home with the father, the very god he spent his entire life working to meet.?
God bless to all of you.♥️?
Edward Searle says
May 15, 2022 at 4:13 amSaddened to hear of Jim’s death and praying that God’s gracious presence will comfort and sustain each member of the family. Marie and I send our love and prayerful encouragement. “Jesus wept”.
John 11:35
Donations may be made to the Shearer Family through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
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