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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
O'NEIL, James Francis, D.D., LTh, Rev. Canon - Former Anglican Rector, St. Mary's Richmond Hill, St. John's York Mills and Chaplain St. John's Rehabilitation Hospital. On September 10, 2020 peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital Toronto, after suffering a stroke. Husband of Jean, father of Peter (Carmel) and Mary (Stephen Gilbert). Grandfather of Erin, Rachel and Sienna. A Navy Veteran whose ship was torpedoed in the North Atlantic in 1944. He was inspired by his naval chaplain to enter the ministry. His deep spiritual belief and love of people is well remembered. He would be the first to remind us, "We don't know the whole story..." and always gave the benefit of the doubt to others. He was a beloved parish priest. Loved always. There will be a private family graveside service.
My father, James Francis O’Neil, died Sept 10 this year and was a proud Canadian Navy veteran. Born in Coleman AB in 1924, later signed up for the Navy in Victoria BC at 18 years old. Trained on west coast of Canada, eventually serving on HMS NABOB, Ruler class carrier captained by Horatio Nelson Lay. 21 died from U-354 torpedo attack Aug 22 1944 as Nabob was part of TIRPITZ search. Nabob limped 1100 miles back to Scotland after the attack ripped a 10 meter hole beneath her waterline. Great part of story was Dad’s Chaplain, William Hills was also from Vancouver Island. He was an Anglican clergyman who was my father’s biggest influence to pursue a post war life in the Anglican Church! Many years later in the early 70’s, Hills left in his will, his Sunbeam Tiger sports car to my dad who by then was established as a clergyman in Toronto! He had married a young doctor from Petrolia ON, two kids, my sister Mary and I. A long and much beloved clergy career as a parish priest. He loved his Canadian Navy roots and had great stories of how the UK pilots treated them poorly and how they got their revenge! (Submitted by Peter O'Neil)
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