GERALDJAMES

GERALD JAMES December 6, 1923 – February 5, 2017 Passed away peacefully at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Survived by his loving wife Floretta (Fay), step-sons Glenn and Craig and daughter-in-law Grace. Adored grandpa to Ben, Elizabeth, Stephanie and Teal. Great-grandfather to Sam. Gerry was born in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. He was the second of eleven children born to Alvin and Doris: Emrie, Ralph, Josette, Marguerite, Lynne, Betty, Ruth and Alvin Jr., and predeceased by Vernon and Roston. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews and Dennis Watkiss who was like a son. He had a degree in forestry and came to Canada at the age of 24 in 1947, where he began building bowling centres and various businesses. Gerry built over 67 bowling centres across Canada. Gerry’s great passion in life was breeding and racing thoroughbred horses in Ontario and Florida. He was the owner and operator of Markham Bowling Centre for many years, promoting skills and health to families and youth. He was a Hall of Fame Inductee as a builder and proprietor for five pin bowling in the York Simcoe 5 Pin Bowling Association in 2008. In 2011 Gerry sold Markham Bowling Centre to retire and became a homemaker and cook for his lovely loving wife. Many thanks to the caring staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital, especially the palliative care team. Also special thanks to Dr. Stephen Marisette and George Bundi, RN, for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. A private family service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.chapelridgefh.com