Bullbrook, James David
September 13, 1965 ~ January 26, 2022
James Bullbrook, 56, died in the Critical Care Trauma Centre at Victoria Hospital on January 26 at 4:48 a.m. Proud father of Richie Bullbrook, dear brother of Julie Hislop (Rob) and Jane Bullbrook, and loving uncle to many nieces. Predeceased by parents Joyce (Dooling) and James Edward Bullbrook and brother John Bullbrook. Growing up in Sarnia, James’ father was the Liberal MPP from 1967-1977. The Ontario Liberal Party was in his DNA which led to him work for the Ontario Liberal Party in Opposition. James was a gifted writer, raconteur, football fan and film and architecture buff – as anyone on the receiving end of one of his epic lectures on Star Wars or Star Trek could tell you. His real passion was politics – and specifically, public service. That passion eventually brought him back to the Liberal Party as a speechwriter for Former Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty. After his second stint at Queen’s Park, James returned to London to spend more time with his son, Richie – a phenomenal skateboarder and the joy of his life. He eventually began working with Lloyd Rang Communications, which reunited him in his day-to-day work with so many of his good friends from his time in government. James was a skilled and talented storyteller. He had a sharp wit. He was fiercely intelligent and loved the craft of writing, and talking about writing. James believed deeply in serving others. He could be cantankerous – and he knew it – but beneath that veneer, he was a caring, humble, dedicated and loving man. James coined a phrase that has become common at his workplace: “In our world, authenticity is the coin of the realm.” The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses and PSWs who provided exceptional care for James both in hospital and at home, as well as his care co-ordinator Jennifer DeJong. James often expressed how deeply grateful he was for their support. Cremation has taken place.
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held at Highland Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London, on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. In accordance with provincial laws, those wishing to attend the service must be fully vaccinated and must RSVP at: https://signup.com/go/kuZCKYW.
Zoom
A livestream of the service starting at 2pm will be available on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83229818509.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LHSC Foundation (lhsf.ca) or St. Elizabeth Foundation (sehc.com). Please mail cheques to funeral home or donate online at the charity websites.
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Condolences (15)
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Richie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of a truly remarkable man. James and I lived in the same university residence in the 80’s and reconnected a few years ago to do some work in London. I only found out today about his passing and am so sorry I didn’t share my condolences before now. Richie, whenever your dad and I spoke, we would talk about our sons. He would tell me with great pride about your activities and your successes. He was a man I greatly respected and was proud to call a friend. Please reach out if I can help you in any way.
Richie,
I’m thinking of you and your family. My most sincere condolences to you all. ❤️
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Bullbrook family.
Here is a gallery of pics of James…
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPbLRQMQpa-qpmgJzYy33it16J8ERniL3VubWZfTtJzuGhgDcOimZZkAsVc_vJfWQ?key=bkVmODRCeU1iUTNhSDl5OVR1eGVyVGp2WkVEcWlB
Julie & Rob and Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother James and uncle James. We had only met James a few times and enjoyed conversing him very much. Our deepest sympathy.
We so saddened by Jim’s passing. We think often of our time working together. His wit and humour were a gift to all of us who knew and admired him.
So sorry Julie and Rob and family for James’ passing . Thoughts and prayers with you
Julie, Rob and family. I am saddened to learn of the passing of your brother James. Sending my condolences on your family’s loss.
I was so saddened to read of James’s passing. He was a wonderful writer, a staunch advocate for clarity and authenticity in public service and a good friend, who gave generously of his time and insights as a guest speaker in my classes at Western University. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Dear Richard, Julie, and extended family, I was quite taken aback at hearing this devastatingly sad news of the passing of James. We called James, “Jim”
half the time back in high-school and as we were part of small circle of friends that hung out quite bit in grades 9 or 10 through 12 in Sarnia. As you can imagine we didn’t always agree but often made each other laugh. We all loved music and James enjoyed a band me a couple other friends had in high-school. I’m sure it was James who introduced me to the Boomtown Rats! My mom lived at Governor house East from 1982 until her passing in 2017. Anyway I digress. Jim was an engaging character a provocateur and highly knowledgeable lover of movies I remember when he got accepted at York. You’re likely not surprised to hear he thought I should grab the last name of “Fast” if I ever went “Hollywood”. May his Memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace. Sincerely Sean Hogan
To the Bullbrook Family and particularly Richie,
So saddened and distressed to hear about James’ passing. I first met James during his regular visits over many years to Landon library where I was working at the time. He would often pop in with Richie and always had a fresh, delighted update to share about Richie’s skateboarding successes. Most recently, I worked with James directly as his proofreader something I enjoyed very much. He was overtly intellectual, immensely funny, kind and often hilariously bitter – I was so fond of him and admired his wit, especially. It seems impossible that he is gone and I will miss him. My very deepest sympathies to the family and I will continue to hold you all in my thoughts during this extremely difficult time.
Dear Julie Rob and family
So sorry for the loss of your brother. May happy memories help you thru these sad times. Fernando and Cathy Rocca
I was a colleague of James’ during my Ontario Cabinet Office days. James was a dynamic, hilarious, thoughtful and dedicated writer and public servant. I remember he would bring his son in to the office now and then, a boy who he adored. I learned a lot from James, and he always had time to talk or give me advice.
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I extend my sympathies to his family and friends.
One of the nicest people I have ever met. Smart, quirky…… and kind. Good guy.
Dear Julie and Rob,
I am so sorry to read of your brother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phil Litrenta