James Rowand “Jim” Armstrong
James Rowand “Jim” Armstrong passed away peacefully at Huronview Home in Clinton, surrounded by family, on Monday Sept. 15, 2025. He was in his 94th year.
Jim, with his wife Carol by his side, has been creating unforgettable memories for 69 years. They share five children: William Armstrong and Patricia Godschalk of Jordan Station, Elizabeth and Michael Lant of Oakville, Karen Armstrong and Bob Break of Palmerston, Deborah and Les Falconer of Clinton, and Wendy Armstrong-Gibson and John Gibson of Clinton.
Jim’s legacy also continues through his 14 grandchildren: Kalei (Adam) Armstrong, Jonathan Armstrong, Mackenzie (Jeff Holmes) Lant, Cleo Lant, Kristin (Ray) Andrew, Ashley (Murray) Gingrich, Derek Falconer, Fraser Falconer, Sydney (Brett) Vanneste, Graham (Andrew Rinehart) Falconer, Lindsay (Joseph) Louwagie, Jeffrey (Amanda) Gibson, Heather (Dan) Horta and James Gibson.
Jim also had 13 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Edna Armstrong. Jim’s family was his pride and joy.
Jim was a man of the land and, through his many interests, hobbies, projects, volunteerism and enterprises, he manifested his passion for, and lifetime commitment to, the business of agriculture.
Born and raised on a farm outside Brampton, Jim was a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College at University of Guelph. He had a knack for more than just growing crops and raising livestock.
His flare for connecting with people, and his natural instinct for business, led to years of wearing many entrepreneurial hats: the first Canadian sales rep for David Brown Tractors, a successful venture into the agri-spray industry and owning a multi-vehicle bus line company. These ventures were in tandem with the farm operations he ran; first a dairy farm for many years, followed by a beef and cash crop operation for many more years.
With the little extra time Jim had left in his days, he focused on giving back. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a church elder for decades.
The International Plowing Match (IPM) was of particular importance to Jim. He volunteered on the executive of the Ontario Plowman’s Association (OPA) and was a plow judge at the local, international, Canadian and world matches. He was proud of his role as chief judge at these events. He ultimately served as the OPA president and was a lifetime honorary director. One of his proudest memories was being the host farmer of the 1978 IPM on the home farm in Wingham.
Jim’s hobbies were many as well; learning to fly single-engine aircraft in mid-life and joining Flying Farmers of Ontario; restoring, preserving and showing various vintages of Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge cars; restoring and collecting his beloved David Brown tractors and machinery, and enjoying many a night out with Carol at square dancing socials.
Jim lived a full rich life that touched so many. He will be missed.
Friends were received at the Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton, on Sunday, Sept. 21 and on Monday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations to the Huronview Home Residents Council or Ronald McDonald House would be greatly appreciated.
Messages of condolence for the Armstrong family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com