Obituaries

Dr Jim (James E.) Napier

Sherbrooke, 23 December 2023

1942-2023

Jim lived a full life and pursued his passions. Born and raised in California, proud graduate of San Jose State University, he came to Canada to study philosophy at the University of Waterloo. Proud alumni of Waterloo, Jim pursued a teaching career. After a cold, short, yet memorable stint at the Cégep in Gaspé, Jim was asked to establish the Humanities program at Champlain-Lennoxville campus when it opened in 1972. Being part of the Humanities department allowed Jim to explore a myriad of topics which he built into courses, from urban planning to crime fiction writing, art appreciation to sustainable development, and biomedical ethics to arts and society. Jim carefully crafted his courses so that they would actively engage the students to learn, work together, and partake in activities that shaped them into exploring, knowing, and evolving members of our society.

Jim was generous with his time, ideas, and actions. When Jim was not on one of many college committees solving issues so as to better the college experience for his students or colleagues, Jim was organizing and leading the annual trips to Ottawa’s National Gallery and to New York, thereby enriching student learning and their life experience. In loving memory of his close friend, golfing buddy, and colleague, Jim initiated in 2003 the idea that led to the raising of funds for what would become the Ken Madokoro Fine Arts Award, given annually to a Fine Arts student at Champlain-Lennoxville.

Early 2004, Jim retired to pursue his crime fiction writing. Author of the Colin McDermott series in Legacy (2017) and Ridley’s War (2020), Jim was writing his third novel and looking forward to publishing it in 2024. Praised by well-known novelists, both books were widely appreciated by the readers. Unapologetic Anglophile, Jim immersed himself into the topics and ideas that populated his fiction. Travels to the U.K., especially London, Oxford, and Yorkshire, were a must. Jim experienced British life during extended stays, exploring local history and traditions without missing an opportunity to visit a pub for its atmosphere, local fare, and a pint.

Jim also reviewed crime fiction, thus helping fellow writers worldwide in gaining popularity amongst readers. He wrote more than 600 reviews in The Record over many years, then on several dedicated web sites, including his own, Deadly Diversions.

Jim loved ideas and learning. When he was not reading or writing or partaking in one of his many favourite activities, he would enjoy conversations and engage in thoughtful yet humorous exchanges, and if you knew Jim, you knew that a pun or two were soon to be heard. Jim always took the time to learn and share with family and friends. Jim shared the last twenty years of his life with his wife Roya and their Welsh terriers, Whisky (d. 2019) and now Ginger. Family was at the heart of Jim’s life. He was a beloved son, father, husband, grandfather.

Jim Napier died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on 23 December 2023 in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Jim leaves to mourn his wife Roya Abouzia and their dog Ginger, his daughters Kathryn Napier (Maxime Dore) and Meredith Napier Favreau (Matthew Favreau), his grandchildren Samuel and Jillian Dore, and his mother-in-law Marie-Thérèse Abouzia (late M. Khosro Abouzia), and his longtime close friends and fellow crime writers.

Jim had a life enriched by many circles of friends and acquaintances, so if you knew Jim as a teacher, author, colleague, or friend, the family invites you to share your story of how you knew Jim and what you appreciated in knowing him, by leaving your message here. Your words will be comforting, supportive and healing. The burial at Malvern Cemetery will be an private family moment. A celebration of life in Lennoxville will be announced at a later date.