DAVEY, James

Peacefully on September 7th, 2021 at Oak Lodge in Sudbury, Ontario and surrounded by family, James Austin Davey passed away from complications of Parkinson’s. Austin is survived by his wife of 49 years Jane Davey (Webster), his son Jamie (Cheryl), son Taylor and daughter Katy Smith (Blair) and grandsons Brandon Davey, Jack, Henry, and George Smith. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Bruce (Mary) children Geoffrey and Kate; by Edgar (Olga) daughter Lauren; and by his brothers-in-law Spence Webster and children Laura, Spencer, and Colin; and Steve Parazader and children Sarah and Spencer. Austin was born in Sudbury on January 5th, 1945 to parents James Henry Davey and Caroline Elizabeth Davey (Austin). He had a special relationship with his grandparents particularly maternal grandfather Edgar Taylor Austin. Austin enjoyed an eventful childhood from observing the hard work of pioneer grandparents, to learning the chores of a farm, to raising orphaned kestrel hawks in his bedroom. While he was not wildly enthusiastic about school, he well knew the value of continuing formal education and attended the universities of Western Ontario and the Lakehead graduating with a degree in economics in 1975 and accountancy afterwards. As a Chartered Accountant he worked for Thorne Riddell, then began his 41 - year teaching career at Laurentian University and in 1984 opened his private accountancy business. The passion for teaching led him to provide further instruction for the School of Accountancy at York University. At his final session, the students gave him a standing ovation, unaware that this was his last.
Austin always exuded a vibrant love of the north. This commitment to the north was why he lived here and why he offered his services to the city by running for council. That experience was preparation for later working on various boards, Sudbury Hydro Board and the water quality board. Throughout he never tired of expounding his views on politics both regional and international.
While he pursued his multi-faceted career, he never lost sight of his role as provider for his wife and family. He married Jane Webster in July 1972 and convinced her it would be fun to spend their honeymoon traveling by powered canoe along the Moosonee River to Moose Factory. With that memorable event over, he then argued for boats, planes, cars, and dogs. He loved speed and freedom. Then came the children and his passions became gentler, more observing, and oriented to providing experience and opportunities for these precious beings. And all along side was his continual perusal of daily newspapers and absorbing broadcast news to fuel the stories he so loved to share. His perception of fatherhood was to provide for his children, guide them back into the fold when necessary and extol their achievements. It wasn’t always hands-on but there were no limits to his love when it came to protecting them.
Then Parkinson’s invaded. The Davey family wish to the staff of Oak Lodge at Kirkwood Place for their service as he was treated with wonderful care and dignity in his last years.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St, on Thursday September 16th, 2021 at 3pm. Friends may gather after 2pm Thursday. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we ask that only those who are double-vaccinated and symptom -free attend. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider donating to The Parkinson Society of Canada, The Northern Cancer Foundation, the Oak Lodge at Kirkwood Place or the charity of your choice. For donations and messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.