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Anonymous posted a condolence
Saturday, July 2, 2016
My condolences to Bev and family. I was a shy awkward teenager playing cello in The Ottawa Youth Orchestra and The Ottawa Symphony when Jim was conductor. Ever since I have played in orchestras thanks to all the fun of playing under Jim Coles and have met many wonderful people there, including both my husbands. many thanks to Jim and Bev for enriching so many lives.
Louise Mortimer
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
I was a neophyte cellist when this dark haired brushcut ball of energy burst into the classroom! For two years, he enthused and cajoled and despaired and rejoiced over our scratchy efforts to become musicians. He made us believe that we could achieve, and we did. He made us believe that "Music" was worth a commitment, so we did. And he taught me that a "music teacher" can influence lives far beyond school. So when I decided to take Music Education to become a teacher, he was the first person I called. To say "thank you." 50+ years later, I still thank him. I know what he gave up for us, and what Bev and his kids gave up for us - and I thank them too. He touched so many lives. And he is still here "as long as one person remembers his name." Jim is still very much alive. - Roger Priddle
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Dear Bev Coles, Family & Friends,
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Jim Coles.
Jim played an instrumental role in the development of the Ottawa Youth Orchestra, serving as the Conductor from 1967 until 1978. The original Ottawa Youth Orchestra served as a foundation for the current Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary in part due to the efforts of Jim Coles.
During his tenure, Jim presided over numerous memorable concerts and collaborations with music groups in Ottawa and across the country. Jim made a meaningful impact on the development of the students who were part of the OYO at the time, many of whom proceeded to have exemplary careers as professional musicians and educators.
The Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy would like to express our condolences to all who knew and worked with Jim. We know that we have lost tremendous Conductor, Educator, and builder of the Ottawa orchestral music community.
Sincerely yours,
John Gomez - Music Director
Dawn Firestone -Executive Director
Will Costain - President
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Jim and I were always like ships passing in the night, both of us on parallel tracks as we worked for the Frontenac County Board of Education. Jim's contribution to education in the arts (music) was second to none, and he had boundless talent to share. Education was significantly enriched by this contribution, and it is sad to learn that he is no longer with us.
I pray that you will find comfort in the knowledge that Jim made a huge difference by his leadership and promotion of the arts and music in education.
Meikle Turner
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Whenever I think of you Mr. Coles, I always remember that huge laugh and elegant intelligence you possessed. It was wonderful watching you and Dad interacting with each other. Each of you knowing the other so well... I hope, wherever you are, that your pulling your fiddle out and "Moondog & Mac" are "diggin' it"
Kevin McNeill
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, June 23, 2016
I first met Jim almost sixty years ago when he was a young music teacher in Forest Hill and I was a junior high school student. He became my teacher, my mentor, my colleague, and my friend. Over the past several years, my wife, Josephine, and I shared many fond moments with Jim and Bev. We will miss him greatly. May his memory be for a blessing! Michael and Josephine Cole
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Dear Bev, Janice and Family-so sorry about Jim's passing. I was so lucky to have played in the OYO under Jim. Rarely have I seen such passion for music and constant raising of standards. I will never forget the profound influence he had on my musical life, and he is among those few musicians I can thank for my rewarding musical career. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may Jim Rest in Peace and lots of music making in heaven!
Susan (Miller) Naccache, Mississauga ON
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
East York Collegiate Inst.
Dear Bev: This is a voice from the distant past. You will remember us as Kathleen Pilkey and Frank Barrett. We played in Mr Tuckwell's orchestra. Like you and Jim we married, now 58 yrs. and had four children also.
when you left Bennington to have David Kathleen took over your class. We have wonderful memories of Jim and you
Dr. Frank and Mrs Kathleen Barrett
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
He gave so much to so many, in his totally inimitable, drawling, exacting, enthusiastic way! And he will be there any time a note of music sounds. Especially if it entails horsehair on catgut. Bev, all the far-flung clan, all the dear friends, John and Anne and so many others, what a loss for all of us, but what a life well lived! Christine Beckett
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Dear Janice,
I was saddened to read of your father's passing. What a wonderful life, well, fully, truly lived. whit and I send you and your family our warmest, deepest condolences - we are with you in our thoughts and prayers, and pray that you and your family will feel held and loved in special care. Thinking of you, with love, Christine Gross & Whit Strong
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful musician, music educator, man in many roles, and friend. I send my warmest wishes to Bev and her
extended family. Glen Wood
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Bev and family,
So sorry to read about Jim's passing. He leaves a big hole in the musical community and in the hearts of all who knew him. I wanted you to know that I am thinking supportive thoughts of you at this time.
Susan LeBaron
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, June 20, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Coles family on Jim's passing. Whenever we spoke, Jim always had another great story to tell. Our community was blessed by his presence...his friendship and kindness will be sadly missed. Rest in piece Jim.
Jamie Thomas, staff and family.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, June 20, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. For a long time we were "chamber music buddies" in Toronto and at IMC. Great days indeed. My sincere condolences to Bev and the family. Baird Knechtel
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, June 20, 2016
A truly momentous loss. My association with Jim has encompassed many facets, a lot of it musical, from the time we first arrived in the area in 1990. He was always supportive, from tirelessly promoting my business ventures, to assisting my musical opportunities, to lending me his great viola bow for an important gig. My thoughts go out to Bev and the rest of the family and I remain at their service for any assistance required. Keld.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, June 20, 2016
And his daughter sings beautifully, my after reading his obituary it is no surprise. Did you have any choice?
Janice our thoughts are with you, he sounds like a remarkable man.
John Kralt
