A former City of Sudbury municipal councillor for nine years passed away earlier this month at the age of 75. James Ilnitski died unexpectedly at Health Sciences North on Dec. 8.
His obituary said he was “a big believer in giving back to the community and served on the City of Sudbury Council and Regional Council for nine years, representing Ward 4.”
Ilnitski worked at Inco as a millwright and retired after 30 years of service.
His obituary said he was heavily involved in the community beyond his time on city council.
Ilnitski also served on several committees, including chairman of the Donovan Improvement Committee, where he worked on implementing improvements to the parks, playgrounds and walking trails, to mention a few of his accomplishments.
He found great joy, the obituary states, in the Navy League Cadet Corps Sudbury No. 44 and served as commanding and area officer.
“Many of our memories are of Jim in full uniform at numerous functions where he formed countless long-lasting friendships,” the obituary penned by his family states.
Active in the community, Ilnitski was a member of numerous organizations, including the Manitoulin North Shore Navel Vets, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 Sudbury, Old Guard Sudbury Association, VETAC of City of Greater Sudbury, Irish Association 2nd Battalion Irish Regiment of Canada, 2912 Irish Army Cadet Corp Band Master, founding member of the Admiral Mountbatten Alumni and HMCS Acadia to name a few.
His obituary said Ilnitski was a man of great faith and was president of the Holy Trinity Parish Council, past president of the Holy Trinity Men’s Club where he headed many fundraisers for the Holy Trinity Youth Camp on Rock Lake.
Ilnitski is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley, their three children, Tracey James “Junior,” Tina (Claudio), and Tiffany, as well as seven grandchildren and two “honourary” grandchildren.
A funeral is scheduled for Christ the King Church at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 27.
