Herbert James Bellisle

Herbert James Bellisle
March 15, 1933 – March 9, 2021

Herbert James “Jim” Bellisle passed away peacefully at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke, Ontario on March 9, 2021 at the age of 87. The proud patriarch of his family, Jim was a devoted husband, father, father-in law, and grandpa. He lived a rich, full life and he was well loved!

“Jimmy” was born in Combermere on March 15, 1933 to William (Bill) and Lois Bellisle. The second oldest of 4 children, he didn’t have the opportunity or desire for formal education and left home at age 15. After working for Ontario Hydro at the Swisha project and driving truck in Hamilton, he made his way to Sudbury, Ontario and was hired by Inco in September 1951. He met Sophie shortly after she arrived in Sudbury from Saskatchewan and they were married at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Combermere in September 1952.

Jim enjoyed a 35 year career with Inco working in a variety of roles in Copper Cliff, Levack and Indonesia. Jim and Sophie raised their family in Levack and spent many happy summers at the camp they built in Tower Bay on Windy Lake. Following his retirement in 1986, Jim and Sophie built a home in Combermere and moved back to the Valley in 2002.

Jim was an avid hockey fan and was well known around the Levack Arena, where he spent hours watching all age groups of hopeful players that donned the Gold & Green of the Levack “All Star” teams. He was always available to shuttle players to and from games when their parents weren’t able, providing sage advice pre and post-game and at all times spun in a very positive way. He wore the Gold & Green proudly himself, serving as manager to several “Rep” teams over the years. Working with some of the best Coaches the area had to offer from Ron Corelli and Jimmy Laberge to Clarence “Clancy” Vowels.

Jim was also an avid partridge hunter. He spent many hours traveling the trails and side roads of northern Ontario riding “shotgun” with his son Raymond. “My dad was the best hunting partner I ever had”, Ray would often say.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, his brother Ronald, his sister Elizabeth and his “beautiful bride”, Sophie. He is survived by his children Raymond (Susy), Shelley, and Robbie (Jackie); grandchildren Steven (Andrea), Ashley and Zachary, and his brother Kenneth (Terri). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family is sincerely grateful to the wonderful team at Miramichi Lodge who comforted and cared for Jim in his last weeks.

A graveside service and a celebration of life to honor Jim will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the Miramichi Lodge Foundation.