James Robert Irwin, born October 15, 1931, in East Wawanosh Township, Ontario, passed away on February 2, 2026, in Welland, Ontario. He was 94 years old at the time of his death. Jim was born into a farming family and was one of eight children born to Ella and Herson
Irwin. Of Jim’s seven siblings, he is survived by Barbara Laviolette. Jim married
Marilyn Moggach on September 3, 1955. They soon had two boys, Doug and Jim, and after a few brief stops moved to Dunnville, Ontario, where Jim stayed and resided for over sixty years. Jim obtained an accounting designation and worked as a corporate accountant for the vast majority of his career. Jim and Marilyn joined the United Church when they moved to Dunnville, and Jim remained a participant in the Church until his death. Outside of his family, Jim’s passions were golf, fishing, and cards—only one of which he was competent at. Jim was a member of the Dunnville Golf Club for over fifty years and was fortunate to play a few holes in the last year of his life. Jim greatly enjoyed travel. For a guy from East Wawanosh Township, travelling to Egypt, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska is quite a journey! Jim believed in giving back to the community. For many years, he was a member of the local Lions Club and worked on many community projects. He served on a number of local boards and organizations that were important to the Dunnville residents. In his later years, Jim contributed financially to the organizations he believed were important. Jim’s wife, Marilyn, died in 2014. He was remarkably lucky in reconnecting with a dear old friend of his and Marilyn’s, Irene Marr. Jim and Irene were married in January 2017 and remained very happily married until Jim’s passing. Jim is survived by his two sons, Doug (and his spouse Veronica) and Jim; and grandchildren Mackenzie (and spouse Tena) and Annabel (and spouse Matthew). There is a great-grandchild currently in process who is yet unnamed. Coming from a large family, there are many nieces and nephews who have been a large part of the fabric of Jim’s life. Two in particular, Brenda Musielus and Valerie Johnson (and Valerie’s husband Dale), were very close to Jim. Valerie and Brenda were the surrogate daughters he dearly wished for. Jim is also survived by his wife, Irene Marr, and her children Dan, Laurie (and her spouse Steve), and Carey, as well as Irene’s grandchildren Faith, Dryden, and Carson.
A service commemorating Jim’s life will be held at the Dunnville Grace United Church, 301 Broad St. E., Dunnville, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow.
Arrangements entrusted to Ballard Minor Funeral Home, Dunnville (905-774-7277). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.
