Obituary of Jim Parmiter

Jim J. Parmiter, age 73, passed peacefully away on February 19, 2023 at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s with his family by his side after a sudden, but short illness with cancer. Predeceased by: parents George and Gwen Parmiter; parents-in-law Bill and Mary Haire; brother-in-law and best friend Frank Kennedy; sister-in-law Betty Pembroke; and great friend and co-worker Ches (“Ches-says”) Stone. Leaving to mourn: his wife of 53 years Alice; his loving children Tracy (Rob) Sauve, Dr. Kristi Parmiter (Randy McFadyen), and James Parmiter (Dr. Jennifer Jewer); his beloved grandchildren Sam and Alex Sauve, Ally and Iain McFadyen, George and Grace Parmiter; his loving sister Glenys Kennedy; brothers-in-law Pat Haire (Jean), Greg Haire (Debbie), William Haire (JoAnne), and Steve Haire (Michelle); sisters-in-law Florence Haire-Sutton and Marion Penney; many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by: his partners in crime, best friends and neighbours Derek (Jim Jr) and Marcella Yetman; neighbours Wayne and Carle Mercer, and Angela Hammond; extended Parmiter family in Point Leamington, Notre Dame Bay; special long-time family friends Fabian Sutton, Bob Penney, Jim Yetman, Pat and Helen Pembroke, Dave Humber, and Robby Butler. If you knew Jim, you knew he was happiest at home in Harbour Grace and is likely relieved that this trip to St. John’s has ended and he can now return to a place that almost certainly looks the way he loved it most with a house full of grandkids, family, and friends overlooking the harbour he knew so well. Jim was born and raised in the family home on Water Street, Harbour Grace and this property is at the centre of his story. One may argue that the time he spent in the warehouse moved the centre slightly westward but it was on this family property nonetheless. He was fortunate to have shared his childhood home with his parents, sister, and his grandparents (Elsie and Henley Parmiter). Shortly after their marriage in 1970, Jim and Alice moved back to the property to lovingly raise their three children Tracy, Kristi, and James. The next generation also experienced this warm and caring man and treasured their time with him in Harbour Grace. Four grandsons (Sam, Alex, Iain and George) and two precious granddaughters (Ally and Grace) brought out the best in Jim as he made them feel both at home and like royalty every time they visited. Jim lived for his kids and grandkids – he was an exceptional listener and hung on their every word, embracing and retelling their personal, academic or athletic achievements as if they were his own. Jim’s professional career was dominated by years at NL Hydro in Holyrood (not surprisingly he chose to commute daily rather than leave Harbour Grace) where he developed deep relationships with management and his coworkers. Jim was a charter member (1975) of local 137 International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and served as president for a large part of 3 decades – he was known as a fair and strong advocate for its members and helped many establish a career in the skilled trades. Ultimately, Jim lived his life his way – he thrived in the familiar routines of Harbour Grace but also enjoyed (sometimes begrudgingly) a scattered trip to St. John’s, and also found himself in St Thomas for Kristi’s wedding, in New Haven for James’ graduation along with trips to New York, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Toronto and on cruises throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Jim was loyal, reliable, and kind and will be missed by all that knew him – he was a great husband, dad, pop, and friend. His spirt lives on in all of those that love him and will surely be felt every time we overlook the harbour. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the many friends who were so kind and considerate during this period and to the staff at St. Clare’s 4E including the wonderful nurses, and Drs. Thavanathan and Quinlan. A special thank you to Dr. Renelle Butt for her speedy actions in getting him the help he needed. Cremation has taken place. Visitation to be held at Noel’s Funeral Home, 21-25 Harvey Street, Harbour Grace on Wednesday, February 22nd from 2:00 – 8:30 p.m. Interment to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, PO Box 258, Riverhead, Harbour Grace, NL, A0A 3P0.