James Packham

Packham, James Lennox, P. Eng.
Professor Emeritus, Ryerson University
February 19, 1927 – July 3, 2017

Peacefully, in Toronto after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Marian Aitchison Packham for 68 years. Dearly loved by his son Neil and his wife Dale Wilson, and by his daughter Janet and her husband John McCann. Predeceased by his sister Frances Good of Beamsville Ontario. Remembered by many nieces and nephews and special family friends. Jim was born and raised in Weston Ontario. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.A.Sc. in the class of 1948. After 20 years of engineering and managerial experience in the electrical equipment industry with General Electric and with Sangamo, he joined Ryerson’s Electrical Department as a lecturer. He became Chair of that Department in 1970. He completed an M.B.A. in public administration at York University in 1975. In 1973, Jim was appointed as Ryerson’s Vice-President Academic and served in that role for seven years. Starting in 1980, he was associated with the office of the President and undertook a series of special projects for Ryerson. Concurrently, he was associated with the Department of Politics and Public Administration as a Professor of Public Administration for both full-time and part-time students. He retired in 1990. He was bestowed a Fellow of Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in 1992. Jim’s hobbies included woodworking, skiing, sailing, travelling, and collecting and writing about antique tools. This involved designing and helping to construct their cottage buildings and furniture at Lake Joseph, starting in 1955. There were many years of travel in Canada, North America, Europe and Israel with Marian and close friends. His interest in antique tools included long-time participation in The Tool Group of Canada, as its newsletter editor for 10 years, and in the Early American Industries Association, as a member of its Board. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held Monday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, 2500 Old Carriage Road, Mississauga, Ontario. If desired, memorial contributions to the Student Bursary Fund at Ryerson University, www.ryerson.ca/supporting would be appreciated. Please visit our Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com