Obituary for James "Jim" Tupman
TUPMAN, James “Jim”- Jim passed away on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, a victim of Pancreatic Cancer, first discovered in February of 2022. He leaves behind a grieving widow, Beryl, after 51 wonderful years of marriage, and two sons and their families: Lowell, wife Joy (nee Belland) and daughters Leela and Isla; and Lionel, wife Lauren (nee Reid). Included are a sister, Mary, now residing on Vancouver Island and a brother-in-law, Scott Bird and his wife Amy, as well as nephews Mark and Matthew Bird.
Lowell is well known as having a dental practice in both Niagara Falls and Hamilton, and Lionel is a partner owning a large law firm on Bay Street, Toronto, with branches in Newfoundland and Vancouver.
Jim took an early interest in drama, in the library produced “Bookworms Club,” performing in radio dramatizations of parts of novels on Saturday morning productions on CKCR Radio in Kitchener, while in elementary school.
This interest followed Jim as he moved to Pembroke, where he played the lead in the high school production of Brigadoon, and later back to Kitchener to attend the University of Waterloo, singing with the newly formed Glee Club.
Outside interests included playing the trumpet in school bands and in the Tupman Trumpet Trio, unique in being three generational and performing at various religious functions around the province. He also took up piano, serving as church organist while in Pembroke, and accompanying the Potter Sisters trio in their travels around Ontario and in Quebec and Michigan.
Jim taught English in three high schools, finishing as Head of the English Department of Stamford Collegiate for 31 years.
Jim’s interest in the performing stage led to the happiest times of his life, as he took on the lead role in Niagara Music Theatres’ production of Oklahoma and met there its star dancer: Beryl Bird, recently returned from her glamorous year as Miss Niagara Hospitality. Soon they were married, off on a happy journey of 51 years.
“A great time” says Jim, “only wish it could have been longer!”
Jim is resting at Morgan Funeral Home, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his family will receive friends on Monday, March 27th from 7-9 pm and on Tuesday, March 28th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church St, St. Catharines on Wednesday morning, March 29th at 10 o’clock. Cremation to follow. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Sick Kids Foundation or to the NHF-Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com
Lowell is well known as having a dental practice in both Niagara Falls and Hamilton, and Lionel is a partner owning a large law firm on Bay Street, Toronto, with branches in Newfoundland and Vancouver.
Jim took an early interest in drama, in the library produced “Bookworms Club,” performing in radio dramatizations of parts of novels on Saturday morning productions on CKCR Radio in Kitchener, while in elementary school.
This interest followed Jim as he moved to Pembroke, where he played the lead in the high school production of Brigadoon, and later back to Kitchener to attend the University of Waterloo, singing with the newly formed Glee Club.
Outside interests included playing the trumpet in school bands and in the Tupman Trumpet Trio, unique in being three generational and performing at various religious functions around the province. He also took up piano, serving as church organist while in Pembroke, and accompanying the Potter Sisters trio in their travels around Ontario and in Quebec and Michigan.
Jim taught English in three high schools, finishing as Head of the English Department of Stamford Collegiate for 31 years.
Jim’s interest in the performing stage led to the happiest times of his life, as he took on the lead role in Niagara Music Theatres’ production of Oklahoma and met there its star dancer: Beryl Bird, recently returned from her glamorous year as Miss Niagara Hospitality. Soon they were married, off on a happy journey of 51 years.
“A great time” says Jim, “only wish it could have been longer!”
Jim is resting at Morgan Funeral Home, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his family will receive friends on Monday, March 27th from 7-9 pm and on Tuesday, March 28th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church St, St. Catharines on Wednesday morning, March 29th at 10 o’clock. Cremation to follow. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Sick Kids Foundation or to the NHF-Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com