McBean, James

December 17, 1950 ~ April 14, 2025

pic 2McBEAN, James Douglas –
The family of Jim McBean shares his peaceful passing on April 14th, 2025.  Jim was the Best Friend and Husband of Gwen. Dad and Poppa of Marnie and Mike, Natalie and Owen, and Olivia, Lily and Maia and Jake; Diana and Dave, Kate, Jenna (2009) and Luke; Dan and Dawn, Avery, Travis and Eli. Brother of Carolyn and the late John Haas. Brother-in-Law of Wayne Grieve, Beth and Brian Morris, Bruce and Leslie Grieve and Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Son of the late Wallace and Marybelle McBean. Loved by an enormous circle of dear friends, and the best Treat Guy to the grand doggies.
Jim grew up on the 6th line of Moore, and was an integral part of the Brigden farming community.  He and Gwennie were high school sweethearts and grew their family on their farm. He had 32 year career at DuPont Corunna and enjoyed a retirement full of travel and adventures with Gwennie.  As part of the Masonic Lodge, Jim was a lifelong member of Leopold Lodge #397, member of Sarnia Lodge of Perfection (Scottish Rite), member of Rose Croix, London, ON, member of Moore Consistory, Hamilton, ON 32nd degree.  He held many chairs including District Deputy Grand Master of Sarnia District in 2003-2004.  Jim was the most generous friend, quick to make a meal and pour a drink for anyone that came by.  Family trips to the Florida house, and greeting all the neighbours and furry friends from the front deck brought him an amazing amount of joy.
Family and friends will be received at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, Brigden on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00pm.
A Masonic Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 1:30pm.
A private family funeral service will be held at a later date with interment to follow at Bear Creek Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (www.stjosephshospice.ca) or the Masonic Foundation of Ontario (www.masonicfoundationofontario.ca).

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Condolences (69)

  1. Dear Gwen…..very saddened to learn of Jim’s passing.
    Always had a smile, enthusiasm and kind words.
    Hope you will be comforted by your many memories.sincere condolences.
    Carol reycraft

  2. Condolences to Gwen and the McBean Family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you on the loss of Jim. He was definitely one of a kind that provided lasting memories. RIP our friend. Dennis & Shari Robinson

  3. our deepest sympathy and condolences to Gwen,the girls, Dan and the entire McBean family.
    Jim was a Masonic mentor and all around great guy.
    He will be greatly missed.
    Mary and Dave Steadman

  4. Laurie Shaw (McCarney)
    Dear Gwen, Marnie, Diana, Dan and families and Carolyn,
    I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. It has been a long time since I’ve lived along the 6th Line but have very fond memories of Jim. He always had a quick smile, was ready for a conversation and was so kind. He was a real gentleman and I know you will all miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    Laurie and Joe McCarney

  5. Dear Gwen & family, please accept our sincere condolences on the untimely passing of Jim. He possessed a genuine knack for making anyone he met a new friend. One of my favourite memories of Jim was playing several years as a foursome in John Greens charity golf tournament along with Jim M. & Gordie G. where he had a once of a lifetime shot placing a golf ball precisely in the security screen mesh next to the tee box on #14. We laughed about each year thereafter as we tee’d off. So long Jim , “hit ‘em far but not too often”.
    Sincerely
    Ken & Sylvia

  6. Dear Gwen, Marnie, Diana, Dan and families,
    Our heart-felt condolences to all of you! We know that Jim will be greatly missed by all of his loved ones. We have fond memories of many good times together 40 years ago. Ken also recalls playing ball with Jim and being on the Bear Creek Cemetery Committee together. All of our memories of Jim are wonderful as he was so full of life. Our prayers go out to you during this difficult time!

  7. Gwen & family: I was so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a ray of sunshine whenever and whoever he met. May your good times keep his memory alive.
    Sue Wright & family

  8. Dear Gwen ,I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Gary always had kind words and wonderful memories of Jim . Sincerely ,Sherry Morrison

  9. Dear Gwen and Family, May you find comfort and peace in all your wonderful memories!
    John and Sandy Baxter

  10. My sincere sympathy in the passing of Jim. Krys let me know last night. What a great loss for family and community.
    I was the one that drove Queenie to her 100th
    So sorry for your loss

  11. Luke, Diana, Dave, Kate and Family
    The u14 Chatham-Kent Cyclones team and families send their deepest sympathy to you all. We’re very sorry for your loss

  12. Very sorry to hear this sad news. I am lucky to have alot of great memories of Jim and family at the cottage and house on 6th Line. His welcoming enthusiasm and energy in entertaining all of us kids was amazing. I remember him having a great time with that.
    Thinking of Gwen and the McBean family during this difficult time.
    Craig Matthews and Family

  13. My sincere condolences to Gwen, Marnie, Dee, Dan and their families. So many great memories of Jim over the years.

  14. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It has been many years since I left Brigden but I remember him and his family very well as active members of Brigden United Church back in the 50s and 60s. I am glad to read that he had a full and meaningful life in the years since then. Wally and Mary must have been proud of his accomplishments. Condolences to sister Carolyn and to all the others in his loving family.

  15. Dear Gwen & Family: We were saddened to hear the news about Jim. Such a kind and caring man. Sending our deepest condolences to the McBean Families at this sad time. We are so very sorry for your loss.
    John & Dorothy Jackson

  16. Dear Gwen and Family. Truly heartbreaking news to hear of Jim’s passing. He touched a lot of people with his friendly smile and always willing to pitch in and help . He will be missed

  17. So sad to hear this news. Amazing cottage memories and many more. All the best to the entire family.
    Thinking of everyone during this difficult time.
    Lots of love. Heath & Family

  18. Gwen, Marnie, Natalie, Olivia and families – please accept our condolences for your loss. Jim – Husband, Father, Poppa – will be missed but keep hold of your memories of him and he will always be with you. Please know that you are in our thoughts in this difficult time.
    Sid and Judy Lethbridge

  19. Dear Gwen. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He sure was a special guy and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Cherish the life you had together. My sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family.
    Geri Stewart

  20. Happy that you were able to enjoy fun activities together in retirement …you two have created many wonderful memories.

  21. Gwen and family so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing had many years together at DuPont. Always had a smile and a way to make you laugh. May your many memories get you through this difficult time.

  22. Dear Gwen and family, I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was an amazing man, always made you smile. So kind and giving. Working with him at Dupont was a privilege. May all the good memories you shared help you through this difficult time. Jim will be missed.💔

  23. Gwen & family, So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Very sad to lose our loved ones. Hoping in time your many memories will offer you comfort. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
    Brian & Jane

  24. Gwen & Family,
    You are in our thoughts, another one of the great ones taken too soon. Take care!

  25. So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Had many great years working with him at DuPont and later farming with him on Moore Line we should all strive to be more like him great guy with a great family. I’m proud to have had him for a friend. Doug and Lorraine Park

  26. Gwen and family, I am sad to hear about Jim’s passing. I spent many hours working alongside Jim on shift, and he always found a way to make us smile and laugh. He was hard working man and would do anything for you and ask nothing in return. My condolences to the entire family.

  27. Gwen, Marnie, Diana, Dan & families. We are all so saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. He was such a wonderful guy, so friendly & easy going. I’ll always rememer going past your cottage in the boat & waving to see if you’d meet us on the beach for a drink. Or ripping around in his boat trying to stir the seaagulls up with my Dad. He definetely will be missed.

  28. I’m so sorry Gwen and very heartbroken for you. Jim was such an amazing man and touched so many lives with his kindness. You and your family are in my prayers.

  29. Gwen, Marnie, Diana, Dan and families, we are so heartbroken for you all 💔 Sending you much love and remembering all of the good times from the neighborhood get togethers that you held at your place. Hold the amazing memories close to you to hold you up on the rough days ❤️
    Rob and Steph McBean

  30. Saying goodbye to our loved ones is never easy, but knowing Jim’s legacy will live on in the exemplary family and friend values, he so readily practiced and offered. We will always hold the many beautiful memories of shared food, drink and always laughter, deep in our hearts! We thank you Jim, for your never-ending devotion to helping others and for holding your faith, family and friends in sacred and loving ways!
    Our deepest love and condolences to the entire McBean Family, Don and Vicki

  31. Marnie, Natalie and Olivia We are sorry to hear about the passing of your dad and poppa. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

  32. Our sincere condolences to the entire McBean family. Having shared a number of family gatherings with you, we recall Jim’s vibrant and loving presence, and several of his famous dishes. It was obvious that family was paramount to Jim. One thing for certain, nobody would leave hungry. Sending love and hugs to all.
    Ed and Carolyn Smith

  33. Sending sympathy to Jim’s family and God hold you close Some memories to keep. Marie(Dawson)Stephenson

  34. Gwen, Marnie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Jim was a great guy, always had a good story and was ready to share a laugh. I enjoyed the many years we worked together at Dupont, he will be missed.

  35. Dear Dan, Dawn and family.
    Our deepest condolences at this time of sorrow.
    Uncle Dan and Aunt Donna

  36. Gwen and family,
    Such sad news to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a great man and a mentor to so many.
    You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincere condolences.
    Brian and Flo

  37. Our condolences to Dan and Dawn and Family! Thoughts and prayers for your family

  38. Gwen and family,
    I’m so heartbroken for all of you. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jim through you and your girls, and know that his legacy will carry on through your wonderful memories. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers my friend 🙏

  39. May you find peace and comfort in Jim’s passing.
    Many workers in the plants today would have to take the hard hat off and steel toe boots.
    Put on a helmet to beat him at home for the last laugh.
    Bon voyage and sail free.

  40. Dear Gwen & family, We were so saddened to hear of Jim passing. I remember him working with Chris at DuPont. Please accept our most sincere condolences. May God wrap his arms around you and your family.

  41. Gwen, our sincere condolences to you and your families. We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Cherish your wonderful memories. Hugs.

  42. When he was DDGM, Jim approached me and asked me to take on a role on his team. He saw something in me that I didn’t, and that made a big impact on me. He attended my lodge and sat quietly until the end of the meeting to make a presentation to me on behalf of Grand Lodge, and that made a big impression on me. His enthusiasm was more that for Freemasonry – he was enthused for the members and their families. I shall indeed cherish his memory in my heart. My deep condolences to dear Gwennie and all the family of whom Jim was so proud.

  43. Deepest sympathies to Jim’s family. I grew up with Jim at the United Church in Brigden. Oh the fun we had even though he was older than me. Hugs to each of you as say your final goodbye.

  44. I am so sorry to hear that Jim died. I certainly have many good memories that we shared at the cottage. Jim touched the lives of so many, he will always be sorely missed by all that knew him.

  45. Gwen and family
    Sending our condolences to you at this very difficult time.
    Hugs and prayers to you.

  46. Gwen and family…
    Our sincere condolences to you all.
    Heather and Jim Sercombe

  47. Dear Gwen and family. We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing.
    Our hearts go out to you all. Jim will surely be missed. Our deepest sympathies.

  48. Gwen & family,
    I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Thinking of you during this time.

  49. Our sincere condolences Gwen and families. Thinking of all of you….treasure the memories.

  50. Gwen, We don’t know where to begin to let
    you know how sorry we are for your loss. We enjoyed so many times together over the years. Jim was one of a kind and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
    We will keep you and yours in our hearts and prayers always.

  51. Gwen and Family
    We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
    Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time

  52. My heart breaks for you and family!
    The memories we share of cottage, evenings in Port Huron, Vegas and Mexico!!
    Jim knew how to get a party started!!
    ❤️❤️

  53. Dear Mrs. McBean and Family,
    I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jim. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this very sad time in your lives. I remember Jim as a kind, friendly Brother Mason. Know that you and your family are being thought of in the kindest way.
    Sincerely,
    Jim Patterson

  54. Our deepest condolences to all of Jim’s family.
    Sharing your memories will help keep him in your hearts forever

  55. My sincere condolences Gwen, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

  56. Jim was a great guy and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Condolences to Gwen and the family.

  57. Gwen- My condolences on Jim’s passing. Fond memories of our visits on walks by the lake and of travelling with him to local Lodge meetings.

  58. Grew and family. My deepest condolences on the passing of Jim. He was a great man.

  59. Sending heartfelt sympathy to Gwen and family. ‘Brother Bruce’ always enjoyed his visits and time and have many cherished memories ❤️

  60. Deepest sympathies to the entire McBean family, may your many wonderful memories which I’m sure you’ll all have give you some comfort during this difficult time.

  61. Dear Gwen and family
    We are so sorry to hear about Jim. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

  62. Gwen
    Going back a few years….I will always remember you and the Grieve Family that lived next to our farm. Great memories.
    Sending sincere condolences to you with the passing of your husband Jim.
    Remember all the good times.

    Shirley (Hodgins) Cook.

  63. My deepest condolences Gwen and your family on the passing of Jim, he was a lovely man and I always enjoyed our chats so many years ago when we worked together at Dupont, he was such a kind and positive influence on all of us….Steve Arnold

  64. Dear Gwen and Family, so sad to realize your dear Jim has passed. It’s been a rough go these past months. Your loving dedication to caring for him meant the world to him I’m sure. He certainly will be greatly missed by so many loved ones, and friends. We all share in your grief at this time.. many fond memories to cherish. Love and condolences.