The mayor of St. Clair Township is remembering a longtime councillor for his dedication to the community.
Flags in front of the Civic Centre, Mooretown Sports Complex and Emergency Services buildings have been lowered to half-mast in memory of Jim DeGurse, 86, who died on Monday.
DeGurse was an elected councillor for 20 years, serving with St. Clair Township from 1998 to 2006 and from 2010 to 2022.
Mayor Jeff Agar expressed condolences in an online post to Facebook, calling DeGurse a mentor and friend.
"I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Stephanie and the entire DeGurse family on the passing of Jim," said Agar. "Not only was Jim a great family man but he was also very dedicated to his community. He served on Moore Township Council, St. Clair Township Council and was very much involved with the Brigden Fair and many other organizations."
According to his obituary, DeGurse was born and raised in the Township of Moore.
"He was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a past president of the Brigden Fair (2009) and a member of Moore Township and St. Clair Township councils for many years. Jim spent many hours volunteering his time throughout the community with the Moore Agricultural Society, Lambton Elderly Outreach, Operation Christmas Tree and Mooretown Silver Stick. He was an avid sports fan playing baseball and hockey and coaching various teams," it reads.
"Jim loved to laugh and to play a good joke on someone. He will be remembered for his mischievous smile, his loyalty, his integrity, his kindness and his generosity," it added.
Friends will be received at the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna on Sunday, September 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Corunna on Monday, September 16 at 10:30 a.m.