Dr. James Alexander McPhee

March 18, 1925 - October 8, 2019

Funeral Details: A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147, 410 Vincent St in Barrie on November 22 from 1 to 5 pm.

Dr. James Alexander McPhee, 94, passed away peacefully with family at his side at Royal

Victoria Hospital in Barrie on October 8th, 2019. Born on March 18, 1925, Jim grew up in the

small rural community of Ophir near Sault Ste. Marie. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in

March of 1943. Shot down over Germany during active duty in November of 1944, he was

captured and held as a prisoner of war until his escape in May of 1945. After graduating from

the University of Toronto Medical School in 1953, Jim practiced family medicine in Gravenhurst,

King City, and Richmond Hill until his retirement in 1992. Jim continued working until 2009 at the

age of 84, assisting in the orthopedic surgical unit at York Central Hospital (now Mackenzie

Health). During his career, he was active in the establishment of York Central Hospital, where

he also served on the Medical Advisory Committee and for a time as Chief of Staff. He was a

past-president of the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Jim had a lifelong love of music and

the outdoors which he shared with his many beloved friends and family. In his retirement, he

was an active member of the Golden K, the Veterans Club of Barrie, RCAF 441 Wing

Association, and an active lecturer at the Historical Society.

Predeceased by his parents Angus and Elizabeth (née Cooper), his siblings Murdoch, Sarah,

Jessie, Neil, Ethel, Angus, Florence and Muriel, his first wife Norah (née Scriver), his second

wife Marilyn (née Webster), and his daughter Mary. He is survived by his children Bruce,

Charles (Louise), Ross (Jane), and Gail (Charlie) and his stepchildren Leslie (Larry), Heidi,

Matthew (Tanya) and Jeff (Debbie). Also survived by his grandchildren Michael, Todd (Jessica),

Nairn (Paula), Dustin, Laura (Nick), Mark ( Nora), Michelle , Esther ( Anthony), Katherine (

Alex), Heather (Simon), Jessica (Jeff), Carlyle, Kevin (Jasmine), Logan (Leanne), Kia, Ryan,

Shelby, Morgan (Alex), Laurel and great-grandchildren, Louis, Hobbs, Tavis, Payden, Maddie,

Brody, Alexandra, Juniper, Violet, Declan, and Saragh.

He was a man of incredible determination, integrity, and intelligence who touched many lives.

Jim was known for friendship and kindness to others; he will be greatly missed and fondly

remembered. A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147, 410

Vincent St in Barrie on November 22 from 1 to 5pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the

Veterans Club of Barrie or the Royal Canadian Legion.

CONDOLENCES

4 Condolences
  • Deana Weyman
    Posted on: Monday, October 14, 2019 Reply

    I live in King City and am a former, long time patient of Dr. Jim. We lost touch after he left this area, but was delighted to be back in communication this past year. So we shared a few emails, mine attaching some samples of classical favourites, which he enjoyed. I was working on convincing him to let me paint his portrait, but in his modest way, he declined.
    This dear man, beloved by so many, was also loved and admired by our whole family, and he literally saved my life at one time.
    Admirable is just one word to describe him….he was patient, caring, understanding, professional and ethical to a fault. And, as well as his education and knowledge of his craft, he possessed an innate instinct for seeing beyond symptoms….”reading ” his patients. In other words, he cared deeply for each one.
    Our family is grateful and thankful to have known him. I feel especially blessed to have been given such a physician/friend to help me through the early child bearing and rearing years.
    My deep condolences to all in his family and his many friends, for such a man as Jim McPhee comes only once, as a gift. I was only one of the gifted many, but I will never forget how he impacted my life. May God send His comfort to you. Deana Weyman.

  • Bettina Butzong
    Posted on: Monday, October 14, 2019 Reply

    We are grateful that we have had the opportunity to meet Jim and to us it was an honor to call him a friend. We have never met such a warmhearted and great person – and great is meant in every way. He always made the best of it all and he always was supporting and encouraging to other people. He showed us the meaning of reconciliation. Since more than 13 years we were in e-mail contact – almost week by week and three times we have had the chance for a gathering. He just enriched our lifes and he will badly be missed. We will keep his memory and will never forget him. R.I.P. Love, Tina

  • Scott Masters
    Posted on: Saturday, January 4, 2020 Reply

    I wanted to offer my condolences to Jim’s family. I visited him with a student of mine a few years ago and he took us through his wartime story, which can be seen here – https://www.crestwood.on.ca/ohp/mcphee-jim/. It’s nice to know that Jim’s memories will be there for future students to hear. We had a nice afternoon together, and I’m glad we made the trip to Barrie.

  • Paul Rose
    Posted on: Sunday, February 27, 2022 Reply

    February 2022: I only now came upon Dr McPhee’s obituary and wanted to send my long overdue condolences. Doc McPhee was our family doctor through my youth. We first obtained his services when he practiced in Nobleton in the 1950s and we followed him to King City then Richmond Hill. He was the best doctor – kind, thorough, understanding and professional. He was a doctor who not only cared for your health but took time to understand your life as a whole. In fact he saved my life when I was a toddler by calling twice at our home when i was sick with colitis and directed us to Sick Kids Hospital for further care. He was an outstanding physician, caring human being and a pillar to his community and profession.

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