Obituary of James "Jim" Francis Comiskey

***PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A CONNECTION PROBLEM AND THE MASS FOR JIM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE LIVESTREAM LINK PROVIDED LATER TODAY. THE "CHURCH" IS WORKING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. THEY APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED***

Funeral Mass for James Francis Comiskey - YouTube

Comiskey, James Francis

(March 19, 1943 – October 17, 2021)

Suddenly, at Bluewater Health, in Sarnia, Ontario, on Sunday, October 17, 2021, James "Jim" Francis Comiskey, age 78 years, of Chatham, slipped through peacefully.  Beloved son of the late Patricia (nee McCullough) and James Francis Comiskey. 

Loving father of James (Nancy), Daniel (Shemiah), John (Melissa) and Kevin (Sue).  Sadly missed by 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  Dear brother of Bernard (Nellie), Joseph (Leitha), Patricia Lee, Michael (Cathy), Catherine Comiskey, Mary Dunlop (Ron Berlemont), Helen Allin, Fr. John Comiskey, and Bill (Mary Jane).  Predeceased by a son Patrick Edward Comiskey (1987) and brothers-in-laws James Dunlop (1990), Dave Allin (2013), Chris Wydrzynski (2015), and Marty Miller (2019).   

Jim was born and raised in Chatham, Ontario, along with his nine brothers and sisters. After seven years as a reporter, photographer and advertising salesman for the Chatham Daily News, Jim returned to school to obtain a university education, eventually completing his Masters of Education in 1982.  Jim enjoyed a lifetime of public service as an educator, often using the expression, "I teach English, but more importantly, I teach children."

Jim spent 15 years in primary and secondary schools in Saskatchewan, both as a teacher and principal.  While in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Jim was vice president of the Big Sisters. As a teacher in Prince Albert, Jim helped students with public relations, news broadcasting and reporting at the local Radio and Television stations. He was also employed by Services for Off-Reserve Treaty First Nations Communities as an educational consultant.  While in Saskatchewan, Jim developed many great friendships with people he loved a great deal.

In 1989, Jim returned home to Chatham, where he accepted a position as a senior English teacher at Ursuline College, the Pines.

Jim retired from teaching in 2004 and continued his entrepreneurial enterprise known as Comiskey Underground Sprinklers, looking after customers with a sense of pride.  Jim enjoyed his sprinkler business as it provided him with the opportunity to make new friends, cover ground, and help people in need along the way.  Throughout the years, Jim taught his employees life skills about hard work, dedication, and charm. 

Jim loved the game of baseball and the city of Chicago, and he loved his family in the United States, including his favourite cousin, Mary Lou Kearns and her entire clan.  After immigrating from Ireland in 1833, the Kearns and Comiskey families remained very near and dear.

In November 2019 and February 2020, he fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit Ireland with his sons.  During these trips, Jim enjoyed searching for relatives, visiting churches and graveyards, attending mass and singing in the local pubs.  His voice was still great right up until the very end of his life.  He was indeed one of God's beauties.

Jim was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Church in Chatham and a chartered member of the St. Josephs Knights of Columbus. He handled his own personal adversities with strength, and he relished the opportunity to help others deal with their own hardships.  Jim was a force to be reckoned with, and it appeared that the more challenging the situation, the more easily he was always able to find answers and comfort for others.

Friends and relatives may visit at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Thursday, October 21, 2021, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.  

There is no sign-up for Visitation.  Masks are mandatory.

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am, Friday, October 22, 2021 at St. Joseph's Church.

A live stream of the funeral mass is available.  To access the live stream, please click the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPcJnHWYmwU

The family welcomes all to attend the graveside for final prayers.  The Interment in St. Anthony's Cemetery immediately following the funeral. 

Donations to the Kidney Foundation or Charity of choice would be appreciated.