James Edward Gerard Cassidy

James Edward Gerard Cassidy

23 November 1951 - 22 February 2026 

It is with heavy hearts the family of James (aka Jim, aka Jimmy, aka Elmer) Cassidy announce that he has passed away at PRHC ICU surrounded by the love of his life and wife of nearly 50 years, Donna and his loving daughters, Sarah and Laura.

Jim was born in Peterborough Ontario’s Civic Hospital, brand new at the time, on 23 November 1951 to his parents, Mary Anastasia Cassidy (nee Trudeau) and Adrian Edward Cassidy, both of Stoco, Ontario to join his older siblings, Carl and Maureen.

Jim’s biggest asset in life was definitely his sense of humour. Through his humour and wit he was able to meet and make a wide variety of friends, although it helped that he was never one to pass a stranger without striking up a conversation. Jim met Donna at a young age through Donna’s family and Jim’s friends and together they started their married life on 23 August 1976 and had a very rich and jovial life together. When Jim was around (and behaving himself) Donna was always laughing. Joined in the 80s by the births of their daughters, Jim’s life was surrounded in love with family, friends, work colleagues, and many happy memories spent with the students of Immaculate Conception Elementary School and St Peter’s Secondary School, where Jim was a popular custodian. 

Jim leaves behind many to mourn him, including his immediate family, Donna Marie Cassidy (nee McGuinness); Sarah Byrne (Patrick); Laura Cassidy; and grandson, Thomas Byrne. He also leaves behind his brother Carl Cassidy (Yvette) of Toronto; sister Maureen Wilson (Alan) of London Ontario, beloved nephew, Jeffrey (Jody) of Toronto; and former sister-in-law, Marita Cassidy (nee Borne) of Toronto.

On Donna’s side, Jim was a much loved member of a very large clan who will all miss his humour deeply, including: Linda Maloney (Emmett, deceased); (predeceased) Ruth Fitzgerald (Jim); Bernard McGuinness (Darlene); Teresa Masters (Bob); MaryLou Burton (Jim); Brenda Leddy (Jim); Darlene McGuinness (Mike); and Deborah Beard (Stewart). Jim is also fondly remembered by MANY nieces and nephews and their children, who all meant a great deal to him but are too many to list. Please know you were all very special to Jim.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private memorial mass in the works. Friends and Jim’s extended love ones of which there were many, will be invited to a Celebration of Life where you will be encouraged to wear your goofiest hats, tackiest Hawaiian or bowling shirts, and trackpants or lounge wear, and share all your best Jim stories with those who loved him best. This Celebration of Life will take place at a later date and will be announced in time. Please send the family all your fondest and funniest stories of Jim to jcassidymemories@gmail.com .

A deep and heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff at PRHC, particularly the ICU staff who are exceptional at what they do. Your kindness and support will stay with our family for the rest of our lives. A special thanks also to MaryLou and Jim Burton who introduced Jim and Donna to each other and got their lives started and for their many, many years of friendship and support. Dad’s life was so much richer because of your presence in it. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to either the Alzheimer’s Society or the Peterborough Humane Society be made in his honour.